tolerate

/'tɔləreit/

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Explanation of "Tolerate"

Definition: The verb "tolerate" means to allow something to happen or to exist, even if you do not like it or agree with it. It can also mean to accept someone else's beliefs, opinions, or behaviors, even if they are different from your own.

Usage Instructions

You can use "tolerate" when you want to express that you are able to endure something uncomfortable or unpleasant, or when you accept differences in others without opposing them.

Examples

1. Everyday Example: "I cannot tolerate loud music when I am studying."

   • This means that loud music bothers me a lot, but I try to deal with it while studying.

2. Social Example: "We must tolerate the religions of others."

   • This means we should accept and respect different religions, even if we do not practice them ourselves.

3. Health Example: "The patient does not tolerate the anti-inflammatory drugs we gave him."

   • This means the patient cannot handle or accept the medication well, possibly due to side effects.

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "tolerate" can refer to the body's ability to handle certain substances, such as medications or toxins. For example, "Some people have a high tolerance for pain," means they can withstand a lot of pain without it bothering them too much.

Word Variants

• Tolerance (noun): The ability to accept or endure something; for example, "Her tolerance for spicy food is impressive."
• Intolerant (adjective): Not able to accept or endure something; for example, "He is intolerant of people who are rude."

Different Meanings

1. Social Context: Accepting differences in cultures, beliefs, or practices.

   • Example: "In a diverse society, it is important to be tolerant of others."

2. Medical Context: Referring to the body's ability to accept a substance without negative reactions.

   • Example: "After some time, he developed a tolerance to the pain medication."

Synonyms

• Endure
• Accept
• Bear
• Put up with
• Allow

Idioms & Phrasal Verbs

• "Put up with": This is a phrasal verb that means to tolerate something or someone unpleasant.

  • Example: "I can’t put up with his constant complaining anymore."

• "Bite the bullet": This idiom means to face a difficult situation bravely, which can involve tolerating something unpleasant.

  • Example: "I don’t like going to the dentist, but I have to bite the bullet and get my tooth fixed."

Summary

In summary, "tolerate" is a useful verb that helps express the idea of allowing or accepting things that might be unpleasant or different. It is important in social interactions and can also apply to health and physical conditions.

Academic

Verb

1. allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting
   • We don't allow dogs here
   • Children are not permitted beyond this point
   • We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital
2. have a tolerance for a poison or strong drug or pathogen or environmental condition
   • The patient does not tolerate the anti-inflammatory drugs we gave him
3. recognize and respect (rights and beliefs of others)
   • We must tolerate the religions of others
4. put up with something or somebody unpleasant
   • I cannot bear his constant criticism
   • The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks
   • he learned to tolerate the heat
   • She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage

Synonyms

• allow
• permit