tolerable - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
tolerable Word Meanings
- able to be endured or accepted
- acceptable but not outstanding
- within reasonable limits
tolerable Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tolerable Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɒ.lə.rə.bəl/
US
/ˈtɑː.lə.rə.bəl/
tolerable Word Etymology
Root: tolerate (from Latin 'tolerare') + suffix: -able. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a person managing to stay calm while weathering a storm; they find the situation 'tolerable', enduring the experience.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Most people think of tolerable as a threshold marker: something you can survive or accept without great discomfort, but not something you would praise. In everyday use, it often contrasts with excellent or perfect, signaling modest approval rather than enthusiasm. Native speakers use it for situations where the negative is present but manageable—like a meal that is not delicious but not terrible, or a deadline that is tight yet feasible. Note that tolerable carries a nuance of endurance, sometimes implying a lower tolerance than you might wish, rather than genuine satisfaction. When you rate experiences, think of tolerable as the minimum standard that keeps things from being unacceptable.
Usage Reminders
- Use tolerable for modest acceptance, not enthusiasm
- Pair with adjectives like slightly, fairly, or reasonably
- Contrast with excellent or perfect to show scale
- Remember bearable refers more to physical discomfort
- Use tolerable in formal or semi-formal contexts
- Add adverbs with tolerable: fairly tolerable, reasonably tolerable
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing tolerable with bearable (physical discomfort)
- Thinking it means enjoyable or excellent
- Using tolerable to mark strong approval
- Mistaking it for tolerant (personality trait)
- Misapplying in contexts describing praise or high quality
Thinking Differences
In English, tolerable marks a lower boundary of acceptability rather than enthusiasm. Learners often overstate it as praise or confuse it with bearable for physical discomfort.
Learning Tips
- Map tolerable to modest acceptance, not praise
- Use with adverbs (quite tolerable, fairly tolerable)
- Contrast with bearable or acceptable to show scale
- Practice with everyday contexts (weather, meals, deadlines)
- Learn the adverb tolerably for nuance
- Avoid using tolerable for strong positive judgments
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'tolerable' mean?
A.Acceptable or satisfactory
B.Unbearable
C.Exceptional
D.Delightful
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'tolerable' correctly?
A.The food was so bad that it was not even tolerable.
B.He found the pain to be tolerable after the medication kicked in.
C.Her responses were tolerable for a novice.
D.The weather is tolerable, not as bad as yesterday.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'tolerable'?
A.Awful
B.Unpleasant
C.Acceptable
D.Exceptional
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'tolerable'?
A.Intolerable
B.Endurable
C.Acceptable
D.Bearable
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something is tolerable?
A.The noise from the construction was quite bothersome yet manageable.
B.She could not stand the situation, it was beyond bearable.
C.The movie was tolerable, but I expected more from the cast.
D.The rain ruined the picnic, making it an enjoyable experience.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App