# tolerant

/ˈtɑɫɝənt/ (US) · /tˈɒləɹənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tolerant
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. accepting of others

adjective · CEFR B2

willing to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own.

For teachers: showing a willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behaviour that one does not necessarily agree with.

- The city is known for being very tolerant of different cultures and religions.
- A truly democratic society must remain tolerant of dissenting voices, even when those voices challenge the prevailing political consensus.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 2. able to survive conditions

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

able to survive or handle difficult conditions like heat, cold, or chemicals.

For teachers: capable of enduring or resisting the action of a drug, physiological stressor, or environmental condition.

- These garden plants are very tolerant of dry weather and don't need much water.
- The researchers identified a specific strain of wheat that is remarkably tolerant of high soil salinity, making it ideal for coastal farming.

Usage: Often used in biological or technical contexts with 'of'.

## Examples

- She is very tolerant of other people's opinions.
- A healthy democracy requires a tolerant society where people can express diverse views without fear of being attacked.
- The local ecosystem is surprisingly tolerant of seasonal flooding, as the native flora has evolved specific root structures to survive prolonged periods of water saturation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.