Cool MatePermit vs Tolerate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Tolerate
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
| Permit | Tolerate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtɒləreɪt/","/ˈtɒləreɪts/","/ˈtɒləreɪtɪd/","/ˈtɒləreɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtɑːləreɪt/","/ˈtɑːləreɪts/","/ˈtɑːləreɪtɪd/","/ˈtɑːləreɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To allow something to happen. | To accept something unpleasant without complaining. |
| Example | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. | I can tolerate cold weather, but I prefer warmer climates. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to | barely, just, merely, be unable to, cannot, not be prepared to, barely, just, merely, be unable to, cannot, not be prepared to, readily, well, poorly, be unable to, cannot, will not |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, ban | reject, insist, oppose |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'allow' - 'permit' is often more formal., Using 'permit' incorrectly in passive voice without clear subject., Using 'permit' without an object, forgetting what is being permitted. | Confused with 'endorse' — tolerate means to accept, not to support., Using intransitively (e.g., 'I tolerate' without an object)., Mixing up with 'put up with' — tolerate is more formal. |
| Usage notes | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. | Used in everyday conversation and writing. It's appropriate in neutral and formal contexts, but can sound weak in informal contexts where stronger emotions are expected. |
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Frequently asked questions: Permit vs Tolerate
What's the difference between Permit and Tolerate?
Permit: To allow something to happen. Tolerate: To accept something unpleasant without complaining.
Which is more advanced: Permit and Tolerate?
Tolerate is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Permit and Tolerate the same CEFR level?
Permit: B2, Tolerate: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Permit and Tolerate?
Permit: verb, Tolerate: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. Tolerate: I can tolerate cold weather, but I prefer warmer climates.
Can I use Permit and Tolerate interchangeably?
Not always. Permit and Tolerate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.