tolerate
/ˈtɒl.ə.ɹeɪt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: tolerates · tolerating · tolerated
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To allow or permit without explicit approval, usually if it is perceived as negative.
Verb
Examples
The party tolerated corruption within its ranks.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To bear, withstand.
Verb
Examples
I can tolerate working on Saturday, but not Sunday.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tolerate” mean?
To allow or permit without explicit approval, usually if it is perceived as negative.
Is “tolerate” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.