# tolerate

/ˈtɑɫɝˌeɪt/ (US) · /tˈɒləɹˌeɪt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. to allow or permit

verb · CEFR B2

to allow something to happen even if you do not like it or agree with it.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to endure or bear

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to be able to handle something difficult, painful, or unpleasant without being harmed.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I cannot tolerate that loud music while I am trying to work.
- The local government refused to tolerate any further delays in the construction of the new hospital wing.
- While the ecosystem can tolerate minor fluctuations in temperature, the rapid shifts caused by industrial runoff have led to a significant decline in native fish populations.

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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.