Word
tolerate
Phoneticstol·er·ate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɑɫɝˌeɪt/
UK/tˈɒləɹˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to allow or permit
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to allow something to happen even if you do not like it or agree with it.
v. to permit the existence or occurrence of something that one does not necessarily like or approve of without interference.
“The school does not tolerate bullying and will punish anyone who does it.”
“The administration made it clear that they would no longer tolerate persistent lateness among the staff, regardless of the excuses provided.”
Usage
Takes a direct object, often a behaviour or a situation.
02to endure or bear
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to be able to handle something difficult, painful, or unpleasant without being harmed.
v. to endure or resist the action of something, such as a drug or environmental condition, without adverse effects.
“Some plants can tolerate very cold weather and stay green all winter.”
“Patients usually tolerate the new medication well, though a small minority report mild headaches during the first week of treatment.”
Usage
Often used in medical or biological contexts regarding substances or physical conditions.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tolerate” in context.
Verb
01. refuse to tolerate
“The manager made it clear that he would refuse to tolerate any form of discrimination in the workplace.”
verb + infinitive
02. tolerate the heat
“Some plants can tolerate the heat of the desert, while others wither within hours.”
verb + noun
Adverb
03. barely tolerate the noise
“I could barely tolerate the noise of the construction work next door while I was trying to study.”
adv + verb + noun
04. grudgingly tolerate the situation
“The residents had to grudgingly tolerate the situation until the repairs were finally completed.”
adv + verb + noun
05. willingly tolerate the risks
“Entrepreneurs often willingly tolerate the risks associated with starting a new business.”
adv + verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Ashe-Jepson wanted to find out how adaptable different species are and how much heat they can tolerate.” “That shift can make disagreement harder to tolerate.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin tolerātus, the perfect passive participle of tolerō (“to endure”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with Old English þolian (“to tolerate, suffer, bear”) and French tolérer. More at thole.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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