tolerate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to allow something to happen even if you do not like it or agree with it.
to permit the existence or occurrence of something that one does not necessarily like or approve of without interference.
Simple“The school does not tolerate bullying and will punish anyone who does it.”
In context“The administration made it clear that they would no longer tolerate persistent lateness among the staff, regardless of the excuses provided.”
UsageTakes a direct object, often a behaviour or a situation.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to be able to handle something difficult, painful, or unpleasant without being harmed.
to endure or resist the action of something, such as a drug or environmental condition, without adverse effects.
Simple“Some plants can tolerate very cold weather and stay green all winter.”
In context“Patients usually tolerate the new medication well, though a small minority report mild headaches during the first week of treatment.”
UsageOften used in medical or biological contexts regarding substances or physical conditions.
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.