B2verbsocietypsychology
US/ˈtɑː.lə.reɪt/
UK/ˈtɒl.ə.reɪt/
to accept something unpleasant without complaining or trying to stop it
In context
I cannot tolerate rude behavior in my classroom.
The plant can tolerate cold weather but not strong wind.
She tolerated the noise for months before she complained.
Words that go with tolerate
verb + noun
- tolerate behaviorThe school will not tolerate bad behavior.
- tolerate noiseHe cannot tolerate noise when he studies.
- tolerate differencesA fair society must tolerate differences.
verb + preposition
- refuse to tolerateWe refuse to tolerate cheating.
adverb + verb
- barely tolerateShe could barely tolerate his jokes.
- no longer tolerateVoters will no longer tolerate corruption.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
tolerate to waitCorrect: tolerate waiting
Incorrect:
tolerate withCorrect: tolerate