tolerate
/ˈtɒləreɪt/To endure or accept something unpleasant or difficult without complaining or resisting
She can't tolerate loud noises for long periods.
He tolerates his boss's rude behavior because he needs the job.
Often used to describe enduring pain, discomfort, or difficult people/situations.
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💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
Use 'tolerate' in formal contexts to describe enduring discomfort or difficult people. In informal speech, synonyms like 'put up with' are more common.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Misuse
Do not use 'tolerate' to mean 'approve of' or 'like'. It implies passive endurance, not active acceptance.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear, endure', from 'tolerare' (to endure, suffer). Related to 'tollere' (to lift up).
📝Usage Notes
Often used in formal contexts to describe enduring discomfort or difficult people/situations. Can imply passive acceptance rather than active approval.