Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unwilling to accept ideas, beliefs, or behaviors that differ from one's own: Describes a person or attitude that is not open-minded and rejects views or lifestyles that are different.
   • Unable to endure or withstand something physically: Describes a physiological condition where the body reacts badly to a specific substance, such as food or medication.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a narrow-minded attitude:

  • He was intolerant of any criticism. (He was not willing to accept any form of criticism.)
  • The regime was intolerant of political dissent. (The government system did not allow differing political opinions.)

• Describing a physical condition:

  • She is lactose intolerant. (Her body cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.)
  • Many people are intolerant to gluten. (Many people have a bad physical reaction to gluten.)

Advanced Usage

• "intolerant of": This is the most common prepositional phrase used with the adjective to specify what is not accepted or endured.
  • The teacher was intolerant of late submissions. (The teacher would not accept assignments that were handed in late.)
• Historically or socially: Used to describe groups, policies, or eras characterized by a lack of acceptance.
  • The laws reflected an intolerant society. (The laws showed that the society did not accept differences.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intolerance (noun): The quality or state of being intolerant.
  • Racial intolerance has no place in our community. (Prejudice based on race is unacceptable here.)
• Intolerantly (adverb): In an intolerant manner.
  • He reacted intolerantly to the suggestion. (He reacted in a narrow-minded way to the suggestion.)

Synonyms

• Bigoted: Obstinately convinced of the superiority of one's own opinions and prejudiced against others.
• Prejudiced: Having preconceived opinions that are not based on reason or experience.
• Illiberal: Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.

Antonyms

• Tolerant: Willing to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from one's own.
• Open-minded: Willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
• Accepting: Characterized by approval or tolerance.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Zero tolerance: A policy of punishing all infractions of a rule, however minor.
  • The school has a zero tolerance policy for bullying. (The school punishes any act of bullying, no matter how small.)
• Food intolerance: A difficulty in digesting a particular food, distinct from a food allergy.
  • His stomach pain was due to a food intolerance. (His pain was caused by trouble digesting a specific food.)

Adjective

1. narrow-minded about cherished opinions
2. unwilling to tolerate difference of opinion