tolerate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
tolerate Word Meanings
- to accept or endure something unpleasant
- to allow something to happen despite disapproval
- to put up with difficulties or annoyances
tolerate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tolerate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɒləreɪt/
US
/ˈtɑːləreɪt/
tolerate Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'toler-' = to bear, 'ate' = to make. Historical origin: Latin 'tolerare' → Old French 'tolérer' → English. Memory image: Imagine someone carrying a heavy load, choosing to bear it instead of dropping it, signifying endurance and acceptance.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
First I shift my posture, feet planted and hands steady on the desk, as a loud buzz in the room pushes at my attention. I tighten and release my jaw, adjust my breathing, and pull the noise into the background until I can read. The moment changes from irritation to focus, and I keep going, letting the experience stretch without breaking. By the end I realize I can tolerate the sound because I chose to stay present, not to fight it.
Real Context
tolerate means to endure or accept something unpleasant without joy, and to permit something to happen despite disapproval. It often describes a situation, person, or behavior you don’t like but can bear for a reason. You might tolerate a noisy neighbor, a slow internet connection, or a policy that allows a certain exception. The nuance sits between endure and allow: tolerate conveys bearing with something rather than enjoying it, or simply deciding to permit it to continue. Grammatically, tolerate is followed by a noun, a gerund, or a that-clause (tolerate that...). Memory cue: imagine carrying a heavy load and choosing to bear it rather than drop it, a sign of endurance and acceptance.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Use tolerate for enduring something you don’t like. 2. Do not use tolerate to mean enjoy. 3. Tolerate can take a noun, gerund, or that-clause. 4. Use 'can't tolerate' for strong feelings of disapproval. 5. Distinguish tolerate from endure, bear, accept, and permit.
Common Misconceptions
- Tolerate means you enjoy or approve of something.
- Tolerate and permit are the same thing.
- If you tolerate something, you have no limits and will endure anything.
- You can tolerate anything, even pleasant things.
- Tolerate is always a calm, neutral word.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, tolerate sits between endure and permit. It emphasizes bearing with something negative, not enjoying it, and often signals a boundary with 'can't' or 'won't'.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core sense: endure something you dislike; not enjoy it.
- Compare with endure, bear, accept, and permit to choose the right word.
- Practice with 'can't tolerate' for strong feelings.
- Use with noun/gerund/that clauses to expand grammar.
- Notice collocations: tolerate a policy, tolerate noise, tolerate lateness.
- Record personal examples to recall the nuance in real life.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'tolerate'?
A.Able
B.Fast
C.Endure
D.Love
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'tolerate' correctly?
A.I cannot tolerate injustice
B.The teacher ate lunch
C.She ran fast
D.He loves ice cream
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'tolerate'?
A.Hate
B.Adore
C.Suffer
D.Accept
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'tolerate'?
A.Reject
B.Endure
C.Dislike
D.Enjoy
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use 'tolerate' in a real-life situation?
A.I ran away from the noisy neighbors
B.I ignored the noisy neighbors
C.I tolerated the noisy neighbors
D.I listened to the noisy neighbors
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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