C1verb2K

Tolerate

UK /["/ˈtɒləreɪt/","/ˈtɒləreɪts/","/ˈtɒləreɪtɪd/","/ˈtɒləreɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈtɑːləreɪt/","/ˈtɑːləreɪts/","/ˈtɑːləreɪtɪd/","/ˈtɑːləreɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to allow somebody to do something that you do not agree with or like

In simple words: To accept something unpleasant without complaining.

Examples

  • I can tolerate cold weather, but I prefer warmer climates.
  • She found it hard to tolerate his loud music at night.
  • The manager will not tolerate any form of discrimination in the workplace.
  • Plants that cannot tolerate drought will not survive long in this area.
  • Some people tolerate spicy food better than others.

Usage notes

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.

Grammar pattern

tolerate + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'toll a rate' — think of paying a toll to tolerate a bumpy road.

Collocations

  • 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

Synonyms

  • endure
  • bear
  • withstand
  • accept
  • permit

Antonyms

  • reject
  • insist
  • oppose

Common mistakes

  • 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.