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tolerate
[ tol-uh-reyt ]
/ ˈtɒl əˌreɪt /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), tol·er·at·ed, tol·er·at·ing.
to allow the existence, presence, practice, or act of without prohibition or hindrance; permit.
to endure without repugnance; put up with: I can tolerate laziness, but not incompetence.
Medicine/Medical. to endure or resist the action of (a drug, poison, etc.).
Obsolete. to experience, undergo, or sustain, as pain or hardship.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of tolerate
OTHER WORDS FROM tolerate
Words nearby tolerate
Toledo, tolerable, tolerance, tolerance zone, tolerant, tolerate, toleration, toleware, tolidine, Tolima, to little purpose
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use tolerate in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tolerate
tolerate
/ (ˈtɒləˌreɪt) /
verb (tr)
to treat with indulgence, liberality, or forbearance
to permit
to be able to bear; put up with
med to have tolerance for (a drug, poison, etc)
Derived forms of tolerate
tolerative, adjectivetolerator, nounWord Origin for tolerate
C16: from Latin tolerāre sustain; related to thole ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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