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Definition of tolerate

tolerate

/ˈtɑːləreɪt/
tol · er · ate
Adverb:tolerably
•
Adjective:tolerable
•
Past Simple:tolerated
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Past Participle:tolerated
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Present Participle:tolerating
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tolerate Lexical Profile

tolerate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of something that one dislikes or disagrees with without interference.

Example

"The school administration refuses to tolerate any form of bullying on campus."

2

To accept or endure someone or something unpleasant or disliked with patience.

Example

"She could barely tolerate the constant noise from the construction site next door."

3

To be capable of continued subjection to a drug, toxin, or environmental condition without adverse reaction.

Example

"These desert shrubs can tolerate prolonged periods of extreme drought and high salinity."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

tolerance
tolerant
tolerantly
tolerate
toleration
tolima
toll

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin toleratus, the past participle of tolerare ('to bear, endure, sustain'), related to tollere ('to lift up, raise').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tolerate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tolerate
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