Meaning of tolerate in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈtɑləˌreɪt/

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  1. Verb

    tolerate

    Etymology

    early 16th century (in the sense ‘endure pain’): from Latin tolerat-‘endured’, from the verb tolerare

    Definitions

    1. put up with something or somebody unpleasant

    Examples

    • « I cannot bear his constant criticism »
    • « The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks »
    • « he learned to tolerate the heat »
    • « She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. recognize and respect (rights and beliefs of others)

    Examples

    • « We must tolerate the religions of others »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. have a tolerance for a poison or strong drug or pathogen

    Examples

    • « The patient does not tolerate the anti-inflammatory drugs we gave him »
  4. 4. allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting

    Examples

    • « We don't allow dogs here »
    • « Children are not permitted beyond this point »
    • « We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do. I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do. »
    Robert A. Heinlein
  • « Truly fertile Music, the only kind that will move us, that we shall truly appreciate, will be a Music conducive to Dream, which banishes all reason and analysis. One must not wish first to understand and then to feel. Art does not tolerate Reason. »
    Albert Camus
  • « The best way to win against the intolerable is to tolerate them, for this they have seldom dealt with. Your indulgence may soften their malice and open their eyes to more honorable ways. »
    Bryant H. McGill
  • « The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares. »
    Henri Nouwen
  • « In university they don't tell you that the greater part of the law is learning to tolerate fools. »
    Doris Lessing

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