tolerate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   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

2. 2
   verb

   recognize and respect the rights and beliefs of others

   We must tolerate the religions of others.

3. 3
   verb

   To allow or permit without explicit approval, usually if it is perceived as negative.

   The party tolerated corruption within its ranks.

4. 4
   verb

   To bear, withstand.

   I can tolerate working on Saturday, but not Sunday.

5. 5
   verb

   put up with something or somebody unpleasant

6. 6
   verb

   allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin tolerātus, the perfect passive participle of tolerō (“to endure”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with Old English þolian (“to tolerate, suffer, bear”) and French tolérer. More at thole.