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B1 verb #21 most common 14 min read

tolerated

Top 21

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tolerated in 30 Seconds

Explanation tolerated in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tolerated' is a bit difficult. It is better to think of it as 'put up with' or 'allowed'. Imagine you have a little brother who is noisy. You don't like the noise, but you don't stop him. You let him be noisy. That means you 'tolerated' the noise. It is about letting something happen even if you don't like it. You might hear this word in school rules, like 'Bad behavior is not tolerated.' This means you must follow the rules or you will be in trouble. It is a word for things that are okay to do, or things that are not okay to do. In simple stories, a character might tolerate a long walk because they want to see a friend. They don't like the walk, but they do it anyway. It is a very useful word for talking about patience. You can think of it as a 'patience' word. When you are patient with something annoying, you are tolerating it. In the past, we say 'tolerated'. 'Yesterday, I tolerated the rain because I wanted to play outside.' It is a formal way to say you didn't complain about something.

For A2 learners, 'tolerated' is used to describe situations where someone permits something they don't necessarily enjoy. It is common in the passive voice: 'Something was tolerated.' For example, 'The noise was tolerated by the neighbors.' This means the neighbors heard the noise, they didn't like it, but they didn't call the police or complain. It is often used with rules and regulations. If a teacher says, 'Late homework will not be tolerated,' they mean they will not accept it. It is a strong way to set a limit. You can also use it for physical things, like food or medicine. 'He tolerated the spicy food, but his mouth was burning.' This shows he was able to eat it without stopping. In A2, you should start to see the difference between 'tolerated' (didn't stop it) and 'liked' (enjoyed it). It is a word about self-control. You control your anger or your annoyance and let the thing continue. It is very common in history books when talking about different groups of people living together. Some groups were tolerated, meaning they were allowed to live there but they weren't the most important group.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'tolerated' as a nuanced verb that implies a conscious decision to allow something. It is a key word for discussing social issues, workplace policies, and personal boundaries. When you say something was 'tolerated,' you are often implying that there was a reason for it. For example, 'The employee's poor performance was tolerated because he was going through a difficult time.' This shows a level of empathy or a strategic choice. In B1, you will also see 'tolerated' used in medical contexts. A doctor might say, 'The patient tolerated the treatment well,' which means the patient didn't have bad side effects. This is a very common professional usage. You should also be able to use it in the negative to express firm boundaries: 'Injustice should not be tolerated.' This moves the word into the realm of ethics and values. It is no longer just about annoying noises; it is about what is right and wrong in a society. You can also use it to describe environmental conditions, like 'The plants tolerated the dry soil,' showing their ability to survive in difficult circumstances.

At the B2 level, 'tolerated' becomes a tool for more complex analysis. You will use it to describe the balance of power in social and political systems. For instance, you might discuss how much dissent is 'tolerated' in a particular government. This implies a study of the limits of freedom. You should also understand the concept of 'zero tolerance' policies and be able to argue for or against them. In B2, the word is often used to describe the 'margin of error' in technical fields. 'The machine tolerated a variation of 0.1mm.' This technical precision is a key part of B2 vocabulary. You will also encounter 'tolerated' in literature to describe character dynamics. A character might be 'tolerated' by a group they desperately want to join, which creates a sense of social tension and exclusion. You should be able to distinguish 'tolerated' from synonyms like 'endured', 'permitted', and 'condoned'. For example, 'condoning' something is much stronger than 'tolerating' it, as it implies a level of moral support. Understanding these subtle differences is essential for high-level writing and speaking at the B2 level.

At the C1 level, 'tolerated' is used in sophisticated discussions about pluralism, ethics, and systemic resilience. You might analyze how a society 'tolerates' conflicting ideologies and the psychological strain this places on individuals. The word often appears in academic papers regarding 'fault tolerance' in complex systems, whether they are biological, mechanical, or digital. You should be able to use 'tolerated' to describe the nuances of diplomatic relations, where certain behaviors are 'tolerated' to maintain a fragile peace. In C1, you will also explore the philosophical implications of tolerance. Is being 'tolerated' enough, or should we strive for 'acceptance' and 'celebration'? This leads to deep discussions about social inclusion. You will also see the word used in high-level medical research, describing 'immunological tolerance,' where the body learns not to attack its own cells or certain foreign substances. This scientific usage requires a precise understanding of the word's meaning as 'non-reaction'. Your ability to use 'tolerated' across these diverse and complex fields—from political philosophy to immunology—is a hallmark of C1 proficiency.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'tolerated', using it to describe the most subtle of social and technical phenomena. You might use it to discuss the 'tolerated' levels of ambiguity in poetic language or the 'tolerated' deviations from standard norms in linguistics. The word becomes a way to describe the very boundaries of systems and the point at which they fail. In high-level political theory, you might critique the 'repressive tolerance' of modern states, where certain forms of dissent are 'tolerated' precisely because they are seen as harmless to the status quo. You understand that 'tolerated' can be a tool of both liberation and control. In the sciences, you use it to describe the extreme limits of biological or physical endurance in a way that is both precise and evocative. Your use of the word is characterized by an awareness of its historical weight, its technical precision, and its emotional coldness. You can use it to create complex metaphors, such as 'the tolerated silence between two old friends,' where the word captures a deep, unspoken understanding of the limits of their relationship.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tolerated in 30 Seconds

Tolerated means allowing something you dislike to continue without interference.
It is commonly used in social, medical, and technical contexts to describe endurance.
The word often appears in the passive voice, especially regarding rules and policies.
It differs from 'accepted' because it does not imply approval or liking.

The word tolerated is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'tolerate'. At its core, it describes a state of endurance or permission. When something is tolerated, it is allowed to exist or continue, but this does not necessarily mean it is welcomed, liked, or supported. It is a word that sits in the middle ground between active approval and outright rejection. In social contexts, being tolerated often implies a level of patience or a conscious decision not to interfere with something that might be annoying, different, or even slightly offensive. For example, a community might have tolerated a noisy factory for years because it provided jobs, even though the residents disliked the sound. This nuance is crucial: tolerance is an act of the will, often requiring effort to suppress one's own negative reaction for the sake of peace, law, or a greater good.

Social Context: In society, behaviors or opinions are tolerated when they are permitted by law or custom despite being unpopular. This is the foundation of a pluralistic society where diverse views must coexist.
Medical Context: In medicine, a treatment is tolerated if the patient's body can handle the side effects without serious harm. If a drug is 'well-tolerated,' it means patients don't feel too sick while taking it.

The old traditions were tolerated by the younger generation, though they no longer practiced them themselves.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in professional settings to describe the limits of acceptable behavior. A company might have a 'zero-tolerance' policy, meaning certain actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Conversely, in engineering and manufacturing, 'tolerated' refers to the allowable amount of variation in a physical dimension. If a part is slightly off-size but still fits, that deviation is tolerated. This technical usage mirrors the social one: it is about the range of deviation from the 'ideal' that is still acceptable for the system to function. Understanding 'tolerated' requires recognizing this balance between the ideal and the practical reality of life, where we must often put up with things that are less than perfect.

His constant interruptions were tolerated only because he was the top salesman in the firm.

Historical Usage: Historically, religious groups were often tolerated by the ruling power, meaning they were allowed to worship but did not have full political rights.

The harsh winter conditions were tolerated by the explorers with grim determination.

In modern English, 'tolerated' often appears in the passive voice. We talk about what 'is tolerated' or 'was tolerated' by a group or authority. This shifts the focus from the person doing the tolerating to the thing being allowed. It suggests a collective decision or a systemic state. If a teacher says 'Bullying will not be tolerated,' they are setting a firm boundary. If a historian says 'Dissent was tolerated in the capital,' they are describing a specific political climate. In every case, the word carries a weight of judgment—the thing being tolerated is identified as something that could, theoretically, be stopped or punished, but is instead being permitted for a specific reason.

The spice in the dish was barely tolerated by those who preferred milder flavors.

Minor errors in the first draft were tolerated, as the focus was on the creative ideas.

Using 'tolerated' correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a past tense verb or an adjective. Most commonly, it functions in the passive voice to describe things that are permitted by an authority or a group. When you use it, you are often describing a relationship between a subject (the thing being allowed) and an implied or stated authority (the one doing the allowing). For instance, 'His behavior was not tolerated' implies that someone in charge—a teacher, a boss, or a parent—refused to allow it to continue. The word often carries a formal or serious tone, making it suitable for professional, academic, or legal discussions. It is less common in very casual conversation, where people might say 'put up with' instead.

Passive Voice: The most frequent structure: [Subject] + [be verb] + tolerated. Example: 'Lateness was not tolerated at the academy.'
Active Voice: [Subject] + tolerated + [Object]. Example: 'She tolerated his bad jokes for the sake of the party.'

The extreme heat was tolerated by the hikers because they knew the view at the top would be worth it.

In medical and scientific writing, 'tolerated' is often paired with adverbs like 'well', 'poorly', or 'minimally'. This describes how a biological system reacts to a stimulus. If a patient 'tolerated the procedure well,' it means they did not experience significant distress or complications. This usage is very specific and carries a neutral, clinical tone. In contrast, in social justice or political contexts, 'tolerated' can have a negative connotation, suggesting that a group is merely being allowed to exist rather than being fully accepted or integrated. The phrase 'merely tolerated' highlights this distinction, pointing out that tolerance is the bare minimum of social interaction, not the ultimate goal of inclusion.

The noise from the construction site was tolerated by the residents for three months.

Negative Constructions: 'Will not be tolerated' is a standard phrase for rules. Example: 'Cheating will not be tolerated.'

The new medication was well tolerated by most of the clinical trial participants.

When using 'tolerated' to describe personal relationships, it often implies a sense of burden. If you say someone was 'tolerated' by their peers, it suggests they were not particularly liked, but were allowed to remain in the group for some reason—perhaps out of politeness, necessity, or pity. This is different from 'accepted,' which implies a more positive and welcoming attitude. Therefore, when choosing between 'tolerated' and 'accepted,' consider the emotional warmth of the situation. 'Tolerated' is cold and clinical; 'accepted' is warm and inclusive. This distinction is vital for nuanced writing, especially in fiction or descriptive essays where character dynamics are important.

Dissenting opinions were tolerated in the meeting, but they were rarely acted upon.

Such a high level of risk would never be tolerated in a regulated financial market.

You will encounter 'tolerated' in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the evening news to medical journals. In the news, it is frequently used in political discourse. Politicians might discuss whether certain protests or foreign policies should be tolerated. It is a key word in debates about free speech and civil liberties. For example, a commentator might argue that 'hate speech should not be tolerated in a civilized society.' This usage highlights the word's connection to power and authority—it is about what those in power allow to happen within their jurisdiction. It is also a staple of legal language, appearing in contracts and regulations to define the limits of permissible activity.

News & Politics: Used to define the boundaries of acceptable public behavior or international relations.
Workplace & HR: Common in employee handbooks regarding harassment, safety, and performance standards.

The senator argued that the current levels of corruption could no longer be tolerated by the public.

In the workplace, 'tolerated' is a word of warning. Human Resources departments use it to communicate the consequences of breaking rules. A common phrase is 'This behavior will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action.' Here, the word is used to establish a firm, non-negotiable boundary. It creates a formal tone that signals the seriousness of the policy. You might also hear it in performance reviews, where a manager might say, 'Your occasional lateness has been tolerated so far, but it needs to improve.' In this context, it suggests that the manager has been being patient, but that patience is wearing thin. It is a word that carries the threat of a change in status.

In the animal kingdom, certain parasites are tolerated by their hosts as long as they don't cause too much damage.

Medical Consultations: Doctors use it to ask how a patient is reacting to a new pill or treatment plan.

The patient tolerated the chemotherapy better than the doctors had initially expected.

Finally, in academic and scientific contexts, 'tolerated' is used to describe the limits of a system. In biology, it might describe the range of temperatures a plant can survive. In computer science, 'fault tolerance' is a major topic, referring to how well a system continues to operate when some of its components fail. In these fields, the word is stripped of its emotional or moral weight and becomes a purely functional description of endurance and limits. Whether you are reading a history book about 'tolerated' religions in the Ottoman Empire or a technical manual about 'tolerated' voltage fluctuations, the core meaning remains the same: the capacity to allow or endure something without a total breakdown.

The software was designed so that minor coding errors were tolerated without crashing the entire program.

The harsh criticism from the press was tolerated by the artist as a necessary part of being famous.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 'tolerated' is confusing it with 'accepted' or 'liked'. While these words are related, they are not interchangeable. If you say you 'tolerated' a movie, it means you sat through it but probably didn't enjoy it. If you say you 'accepted' it, you might mean you recognized its value. If you 'liked' it, you had a positive emotional response. Using 'tolerated' when you mean 'liked' can lead to significant misunderstandings, as it implies a lack of enthusiasm. Another mistake is using 'tolerated' when 'endured' might be more appropriate. While similar, 'endured' usually implies a greater degree of suffering or hardship, whereas 'tolerated' can refer to something as simple as a minor annoyance.

Tolerated vs. Accepted: Tolerance is about permission; acceptance is about approval. You might tolerate a neighbor's loud music, but you don't necessarily accept it as a good thing.
Tolerated vs. Endured: Endurance is about survival through pain; tolerance is about allowing something to happen without stopping it.

Incorrect: I tolerated the delicious cake. (Use 'enjoyed' instead). Correct: I tolerated the dry cake because I was hungry.

Grammatically, learners often struggle with the preposition that follows 'tolerated'. While 'tolerated by' is common for the agent (the person doing the tolerating), 'tolerated' itself doesn't always need a preposition. You tolerate *something*. However, when using the noun form 'tolerance', you have 'tolerance for' or 'tolerance of'. This can lead to confusion where people say 'I have tolerated for the noise,' which is incorrect. It should be 'I have tolerated the noise.' Additionally, the passive construction 'is tolerated' is often used without a 'by' phrase, which can leave the source of the tolerance ambiguous. While this is grammatically correct, it can sometimes make a sentence feel vague or evasive in formal writing.

Incorrect: The rules were tolerated to the students. Correct: The rules were tolerated by the students.

Spelling & Forms: Ensure you don't confuse 'tolerated' with 'tolerable' (an adjective meaning 'bearable'). 'The noise was tolerable' vs 'The noise was tolerated'.

The ambiguity in the contract was tolerated by both parties to avoid further delays.

Another subtle mistake is using 'tolerated' in contexts where the subject has no choice. Tolerance implies the *ability* to stop something but the *decision* not to. If you are forced to endure something because you have no other option, 'endured' or 'suffered' might be more accurate. For example, 'The prisoners tolerated the cold' sounds slightly odd because it implies they had a choice in the matter. 'The prisoners endured the cold' is better. Finally, be careful with the word 'tolerant'. While 'tolerated' is a past action, 'tolerant' is a personality trait. Someone who is 'tolerant' is likely to have 'tolerated' many things, but the two words function differently in a sentence.

His lack of punctuality was tolerated for years, but eventually, he was let go.

The small errors in the calculation were tolerated because they did not affect the final outcome.

Exploring synonyms for 'tolerated' helps to refine your meaning and avoid repetition. The most common informal alternative is 'put up with'. This phrase is used in everyday conversation to describe enduring something annoying. For example, 'I put up with the noise' is the casual version of 'The noise was tolerated'. Another close synonym is 'endured', which, as mentioned before, implies a more significant struggle. If you want to sound more formal or legalistic, you might use 'permitted' or 'allowed'. These words focus on the act of giving permission rather than the internal effort of patience. 'Brook' is a very formal, somewhat archaic synonym often used in the negative: 'He would brook no interference,' meaning he would not tolerate it.

Put up with: Informal and common. Best for daily life annoyances. 'I can't put up with this heat anymore!'
Endured: Implies strength and long-term suffering. 'They endured years of hardship.'

The company permitted (tolerated) casual dress on Fridays, though the CEO preferred suits.

In more specific contexts, you might use 'stomach' or 'stand'. These are often used in the negative to express a strong dislike. 'I can't stomach his arrogance' means you cannot tolerate it. 'I can't stand the smell' is a very common way to say you don't tolerate a particular odor. In a more positive or neutral light, 'accepted' or 'countenanced' can be used. 'Countenanced' is a very formal word meaning to give support or approval to something, or at least to allow it. If a government 'countenanced' a certain practice, they didn't just tolerate it; they gave it a level of official recognition. Choosing the right word depends on the level of formality and the specific emotion you want to convey.

The king would not brook any delay in the execution of his orders.

Abide: Often used with 'can't'. 'I cannot abide such rudeness.' It suggests a deep moral or personal dislike.
Suffer: An older, more formal usage. 'Suffer the little children to come unto me' (allow them). In modern use, it usually means to experience pain.

The teacher countenanced the students' request for an extension, though she was usually strict.

Finally, consider 'condoned'. This word is stronger than 'tolerated'. If you 'condone' something, you are seen as giving it tacit approval, even if it is wrong. For example, 'The coach was accused of condoning the players' bad behavior.' This implies that by tolerating the behavior, the coach was actually supporting it. This is a common point of debate: at what point does 'tolerating' something become 'condoning' it? In summary, 'tolerated' is a versatile word that sits at the center of a web of synonyms, each offering a slightly different perspective on the act of allowing or enduring something in the world around us.

The presence of the stray cat was tolerated by the shopkeeper because it kept the mice away.

The minor glitches in the software were tolerated during the beta testing phase.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'tolerate' shares a root with 'atlas' (the Titan who carried the world) and 'talent' (originally a unit of weight). All these words come from a root meaning 'to lift or carry'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtɒləreɪtɪd/

US /ˈtɑːləreɪtɪd/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: TOL-er-a-ted.

Rhymes With

calculated educated related stated created updated estimated complicated

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ed' as a simple 'd' or 't' instead of /ɪd/.
Stressing the second syllable instead of the first.
Making the 'a' sound too long.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'oh'.
Skipping the middle 'er' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and textbooks, but the nuance can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of passive voice and appropriate context.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for setting boundaries, though 'put up with' is more common.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize, but often used in fast-paced formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

allow permit patient rule noise

Learn Next

endure condone advocate pluralism resilience

Advanced

countenance brook acquiesce forbearance pluralistic

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice with 'Be' + Past Participle

The noise was tolerated.

Transitive Verbs (Need an Object)

She tolerated the heat.

Adverb Placement

It was well tolerated.

Negative Imperatives

Do not tolerate bullying.

Prepositional Phrases with Nouns

Tolerance for ambiguity.

Examples by Level

The teacher tolerated the noise for a few minutes.

Le professeur a toléré le bruit pendant quelques minutes.

Past tense of 'tolerate'.

I tolerated the cold weather to see the parade.

J'ai toléré le froid pour voir le défilé.

Subject + verb + object.

The cat tolerated the dog sleeping near it.

Le chat a toléré que le chien dorme près de lui.

Describes a state of allowing.

His bad jokes were tolerated by his friends.

Ses mauvaises blagues étaient tolérées par ses amis.

Passive voice: was/were + tolerated.

The spicy food was tolerated, but it was hard to eat.

La nourriture épicée a été tolérée, mais c'était difficile à manger.

Passive voice.

She tolerated the long wait at the doctor's office.

Elle a toléré la longue attente chez le médecin.

Active voice.

The messy room was tolerated for one day.

La chambre en désordre a été tolérée pendant un jour.

Passive voice with a time phrase.

They tolerated the rain and stayed at the park.

Ils ont toléré la pluie et sont restés au parc.

Compound sentence.

The loud music was tolerated by the neighbors until midnight.

La musique forte a été tolérée par les voisins jusqu'à minuit.

Passive voice with 'by' agent.

He tolerated the side effects of the medicine.

Il a toléré les effets secondaires du médicament.

Medical context.

Smoking is not tolerated in this building.

Fumer n'est pas toléré dans ce bâtiment.

Negative passive voice for rules.

The coach tolerated mistakes during the first practice.

L'entraîneur a toléré les erreurs lors du premier entraînement.

Active voice.

The small apartment was tolerated because the rent was low.

Le petit appartement était toléré parce que le loyer était bas.

Reasoning with 'because'.

She tolerated his constant talking during the movie.

Elle a toléré ses bavardages constants pendant le film.

Describing patience.

The children's shouting was tolerated during the party.

Les cris des enfants ont été tolérés pendant la fête.

Passive voice.

The old car's noise was tolerated for many years.

Le bruit de la vieille voiture a été toléré pendant de nombreuses années.

Long-term tolerance.

The new treatment was well tolerated by most patients.

Le nouveau traitement a été bien toléré par la plupart des patients.

Adverb 'well' modifying 'tolerated'.

Such behavior will not be tolerated in a professional environment.

Un tel comportement ne sera pas toléré dans un environnement professionnel.

Future passive voice.

The community tolerated the factory's pollution for the sake of jobs.

La communauté a toléré la pollution de l'usine pour le bien des emplois.

Complex social reasoning.

Dissenting views were tolerated, but rarely encouraged.

Les points de vue dissidents étaient tolérés, mais rarement encouragés.

Contrast using 'but'.

The athlete tolerated the pain to finish the race.

L'athlète a toléré la douleur pour finir la course.

Endurance context.

Minor errors in the report were tolerated due to the tight deadline.

Des erreurs mineures dans le rapport ont été tolérées en raison du délai serré.

Passive voice with 'due to'.

He was tolerated by the group, but he never felt like a true member.

Il était toléré par le groupe, mais il ne s'est jamais senti comme un vrai membre.

Social exclusion nuance.

The plant tolerated the drought better than expected.

La plante a toléré la sécheresse mieux que prévu.

Biological tolerance.

The government tolerated a certain level of protest to avoid further unrest.

Le gouvernement a toléré un certain niveau de protestation pour éviter de nouveaux troubles.

Political strategy context.

The machine was designed to ensure that small vibrations were tolerated.

La machine a été conçue pour garantir que les petites vibrations soient tolérées.

Engineering context.

His arrogance was tolerated only because of his immense talent.

Son arrogance n'était tolérée qu'en raison de son immense talent.

Conditional tolerance.

The historical document shows that various religions were tolerated in the city.

Le document historique montre que diverses religions étaient tolérées dans la ville.

Historical analysis.

Zero-tolerance policies ensure that certain infractions are never tolerated.

Les politiques de tolérance zéro garantissent que certaines infractions ne sont jamais tolérées.

Noun-adjective phrase 'zero-tolerance'.

The body's immune system tolerated the transplant surprisingly well.

Le système immunitaire de l'organisme a étonnamment bien toléré la greffe.

Advanced medical context.

She tolerated the ambiguity of the situation until more facts emerged.

Elle a toléré l'ambiguïté de la situation jusqu'à ce que plus de faits émergent.

Abstract object 'ambiguity'.

The software was robust enough that minor coding bugs were tolerated.

Le logiciel était suffisamment robuste pour que les bogues de codage mineurs soient tolérés.

Technical resilience.

The nuances of the treaty were tolerated by both nations to maintain the fragile peace.

Les nuances du traité ont été tolérées par les deux nations pour maintenir la paix fragile.

Diplomatic context.

In many ecosystems, a degree of parasitic activity is tolerated for overall stability.

Dans de nombreux écosystèmes, un certain degré d'activité parasitaire est toléré pour la stabilité globale.

Ecological theory.

The philosopher argued that a truly free society is one where even the intolerant are tolerated.

Le philosophe a soutenu qu'une société vraiment libre est celle où même les intolérants sont tolérés.

Philosophical paradox.

The high levels of radiation were tolerated by the specially designed sensors.

Les niveaux élevés de radiation ont été tolérés par les capteurs spécialement conçus.

Extreme technical conditions.

Her presence was tolerated at the court, though she remained a social pariah.

Sa présence était tolérée à la cour, bien qu'elle soit restée un paria social.

Literary social commentary.

The economic system tolerated a certain level of inflation as a trade-off for growth.

Le système économique tolérait un certain niveau d'inflation en échange de la croissance.

Macroeconomic analysis.

The patient's system eventually tolerated the allergen after a long course of therapy.

Le système du patient a fini par tolérer l'allergène après un long traitement.

Immunological tolerance.

The architectural design tolerated the natural shifting of the ground.

La conception architecturale tolérait le déplacement naturel du sol.

Structural engineering.

The repressive tolerance of the regime ensured that only harmless dissent was tolerated.

La tolérance répressive du régime garantissait que seule la dissidence inoffensive était tolérée.

Political theory 'repressive tolerance'.

The work's aesthetic power lies in the way it tolerated and even utilized its own flaws.

La puissance esthétique de l'œuvre réside dans la manière dont elle a toléré et même utilisé ses propres défauts.

Artistic critique.

The sheer cognitive dissonance of the situation was tolerated through a complex set of rationalizations.

La pure dissonance cognitive de la situation a été tolérée grâce à un ensemble complexe de rationalisations.

Psychological depth.

In the realm of quantum mechanics, certain uncertainties are not just tolerated but fundamental.

Dans le domaine de la mécanique quantique, certaines incertitudes ne sont pas seulement tolérées mais fondamentales.

Scientific philosophy.

The silence between them was a tolerated void, filled with the ghosts of unsaid words.

Le silence entre eux était un vide toléré, rempli des fantômes de mots non dits.

Poetic metaphor.

The legal system tolerated these ambiguities to allow for judicial discretion in complex cases.

Le système juridique a toléré ces ambiguïtés pour permettre la discrétion judiciaire dans les cas complexes.

Legal philosophy.

The biological organism tolerated the extreme salinity of the lake through specialized cellular pumps.

L'organisme biologique a toléré l'extrême salinité du lac grâce à des pompes cellulaires spécialisées.

Extreme biology.

The structural integrity of the bridge was maintained because the thermal expansion was tolerated by the joints.

L'intégrité structurelle du pont a été maintenue parce que la dilatation thermique était tolérée par les joints.

Advanced engineering.

Common Collocations

well tolerated

not be tolerated

barely tolerated

tolerated level

widely tolerated

poorly tolerated

tolerated variation

officially tolerated

grudgingly tolerated

tolerated dose

Common Phrases

zero tolerance

— A policy of not allowing even a single instance of a specific behavior.

The school has a zero tolerance policy for drugs.

put up with

— To tolerate something that is annoying or unpleasant.

I don't know how she puts up with him.

live and let live

— A philosophy of tolerating others' choices so they tolerate yours.

They have a live and let live attitude toward their neighbors.

stand for

— To tolerate or allow (often used in the negative).

I won't stand for this kind of treatment!

bear with

— To be patient with someone or something.

Please bear with me while I find the file.

suffer through

— To tolerate a difficult or boring experience.

We had to suffer through a three-hour meeting.

make allowances for

— To tolerate something because of special circumstances.

You have to make allowances for his age.

turn a blind eye

— To pretend not to see something that is being tolerated.

The authorities turned a blind eye to the illegal street vendors.

swallow one's pride

— To tolerate a humiliating situation for a specific reason.

He had to swallow his pride and ask for help.

grin and bear it

— To tolerate an unpleasant situation with a smile.

The flight was delayed, so we just had to grin and bear it.

Often Confused With

tolerated vs accepted

Acceptance implies approval; tolerance implies just letting it happen.

tolerated vs endured

Endurance implies suffering; tolerance implies permission.

tolerated vs condoned

Condoning implies moral support; tolerating is more neutral.

Idioms & Expressions

"can't stomach"

— To be unable to tolerate someone or something due to strong dislike.

I can't stomach his constant bragging.

informal

"draw the line"

— To set a limit on what will be tolerated.

I tolerate a lot, but I draw the line at lying.

neutral

"enough is enough"

— A phrase used to say that something will no longer be tolerated.

The noise has to stop. Enough is enough!

informal

"at the end of one's rope"

— Having no more patience to tolerate a situation.

With all these delays, I'm at the end of my rope.

informal

"last straw"

— The final small thing that makes a situation no longer tolerated.

His lateness today was the last straw; he's fired.

neutral

"bite the bullet"

— To tolerate a painful but necessary situation.

I hate the dentist, but I'll just have to bite the bullet.

informal

"take it lying down"

— To tolerate an insult or injustice without fighting back.

He's not the type to take an insult lying down.

informal

"give someone a pass"

— To tolerate someone's bad behavior this one time.

He's usually good, so I'll give him a pass for being late.

informal

"weather the storm"

— To tolerate and survive a difficult period.

The company managed to weather the storm during the recession.

neutral

"hold one's tongue"

— To tolerate something by not speaking out against it.

I wanted to argue, but I decided to hold my tongue.

neutral

Easily Confused

tolerated vs tolerable

Both come from the same root.

Tolerable is an adjective meaning 'bearable'. Tolerated is the past action of allowing something.

The pain was tolerable, so it was tolerated without medicine.

tolerated vs tolerant

Both describe tolerance.

Tolerant is a personality trait (an adjective). Tolerated is an action (a verb).

A tolerant person tolerated the loud children.

tolerated vs toleration

Both relate to the act of tolerating.

Toleration is the noun for the official practice (often religious). Tolerance is the general capacity.

The Edict of Toleration increased the city's tolerance.

tolerated vs allow

They are synonyms.

Allow is neutral. Tolerate suggests you don't like what you are allowing.

I allow my kids to play, but I only tolerate their screaming.

tolerated vs suffer

Old meanings overlap.

Suffer now mostly means feeling pain. Tolerate means letting something be.

I suffer from a cold, but I tolerate the medicine's taste.

Sentence Patterns

I tolerated the [noun].

I tolerated the noise.

The [noun] was tolerated by [person].

The music was tolerated by the neighbors.

[Noun] will not be tolerated.

Lateness will not be tolerated.

The [noun] was well tolerated.

The medicine was well tolerated.

[Noun] was tolerated for the sake of [noun].

The pollution was tolerated for the sake of the economy.

A degree of [noun] is tolerated within [system].

A degree of error is tolerated within the software.

Dissent was tolerated, provided that [condition].

Dissent was tolerated, provided that it remained peaceful.

The [adjective] tolerance of [subject] ensured that [clause].

The repressive tolerance of the state ensured that no real change occurred.

Word Family

Nouns

tolerance

toleration

intolerance

Verbs

tolerate

Adjectives

tolerant

tolerable

intolerant

intolerable

endurance

patience

permission

pluralism

resilience

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal writing, medium in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

I tolerated to the noise. → I tolerated the noise.
Tolerate is a transitive verb and does not need the preposition 'to'.
The cake was tolerated. → The cake was enjoyed.
Don't use 'tolerated' for things you like. It implies you only ate it because you had to.
He has a high tolerated for pain. → He has a high tolerance for pain.
Use the noun 'tolerance' instead of the verb form 'tolerated' in this structure.
The rules were tolerated by the school. → The rules were enforced by the school.
Authorities 'enforce' rules; they 'tolerate' bad behavior that breaks rules.
I can't tolerate with him. → I can't tolerate him. / I can't put up with him.
Do not mix 'tolerate' with the preposition 'with' from the phrase 'put up with'.

Tips

Use with Adverbs

Enhance 'tolerated' with adverbs like 'well', 'poorly', 'barely', or 'grudgingly' to show exactly how something was allowed.

Social vs. Technical

Remember that in social contexts, 'tolerated' implies dislike, but in technical contexts, it just means 'within limits'.

Beyond Tolerance

If you want to describe a positive reception, use 'embraced', 'welcomed', or 'celebrated' instead of 'tolerated'.

Setting Boundaries

Use 'will not be tolerated' in formal writing to establish clear, non-negotiable rules or standards.

Softening the Blow

If you need to tell someone you are being patient with them, saying 'I've tolerated this' can sound very harsh. Try 'I've been patient with this' instead.

Look for the 'Why'

When you see 'tolerated' in a text, look for the reason behind it. Usually, there is a trade-off or a specific goal involved.

Medical Accuracy

In healthcare, always specify *how* something was tolerated (e.g., 'well tolerated') to provide a complete clinical picture.

Power Dynamics

In history, 'tolerated' often describes a minority group's status. It shows they had some rights but were not equal to the majority.

The 'Gate' Rule

Visualize a gate. A gate 'tolerates' what it lets through. It doesn't have to like the people passing; it just lets them pass.

Avoiding Repetition

Switch between 'tolerated', 'permitted', and 'put up with' depending on the formality of your paragraph.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Tall-er-ate'. Imagine a tall gate that lets things through. Even if the gate doesn't like the things, it 'tolerates' them by letting them pass.

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting in a room with a buzzing fly. They are not swatting it; they are just letting it be. They are tolerating the fly.

Word Web

Endure Allow Permit Patience Rules Medicine Society Limits

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about things you tolerated today: one about a person, one about a physical feeling, and one about a rule.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'toleratus', which is the past participle of 'tolerare'. This Latin verb means 'to bear, endure, or support'. It is related to the ancient Greek word 'tlenai', meaning 'to suffer'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was physically carrying a heavy load or bearing a burden.

Indo-European (Italic branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'tolerated' when talking about people. It can sound like you are looking down on them or that you don't really want them there.

In the UK and US, 'tolerance' is often linked to the idea of 'fair play' and 'minding one's own business'.

The 'Edict of Toleration' by Joseph II (1781). The 'Paradox of Tolerance' by Karl Popper. The 'Zero Tolerance' policy in New York City in the 1990s.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace Rules

Will not be tolerated
Zero tolerance policy
Disciplinary action
Professional conduct

Medical Treatment

Well tolerated
Side effects
Clinical trial
Patient response

Social Situations

Put up with
Grudgingly tolerated
Live and let live
Social boundaries

Engineering/Science

Fault tolerance
Margin of error
Permissible variance
Environmental stress

History/Politics

Religious tolerance
Dissent was tolerated
Official policy
Civil liberties

Conversation Starters

"What is something that you tolerated in the past but wouldn't tolerate now?"

"Do you think a society should have zero tolerance for all crimes?"

"How well do you think you tolerated the last big change in your life?"

"Is there a person whose behavior you have tolerated for a long time?"

"What kind of weather is best tolerated by people in your country?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you tolerated a difficult situation to achieve a goal. Was it worth it?

Write about a rule in your school or workplace that is strictly not tolerated. Why is it so important?

Reflect on the difference between being tolerated and being accepted. Have you ever felt the difference?

Discuss a medical or physical challenge you tolerated. How did you stay patient?

Imagine a world where everything was tolerated. What would that world look like?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is generally neutral but leans toward the negative. If you tolerate something, you don't like it. However, being a 'tolerant' person is considered a positive trait in many cultures. In medicine, 'well tolerated' is a very positive result.

'Tolerated' is more formal and used in writing or professional settings. 'Put up with' is informal and used in daily conversation. For example, 'The noise was tolerated' (formal) vs. 'I put up with the noise' (informal).

Yes, but be careful. Saying someone was 'tolerated' by a group implies they weren't really liked or wanted. It can sound quite cold or insulting depending on the context.

It describes how a patient reacts to a drug or treatment. 'The patient tolerated the surgery well' means there were no major problems or bad reactions during or after the procedure.

It means that a specific behavior will never be allowed, not even once. If someone breaks a zero-tolerance rule, they are punished immediately without any excuses being accepted.

No, but it is very common. You can say 'I tolerated the noise' (active) or 'The noise was tolerated' (passive). The passive voice is often used when the person doing the tolerating is an authority or a large group.

The most direct opposites are 'forbidden', 'prohibited', or 'banned'. If something is not tolerated, it is stopped or not allowed to happen.

They are close, but 'endured' usually implies more pain or a longer time. You tolerate a bad joke, but you endure a long war. Tolerance is about permission; endurance is about survival.

Yes, as a past participle used as an adjective. For example, 'A tolerated level of risk' or 'The tolerated religions of the empire'. It describes the status of the noun.

The verb is 'tolerate'. The past is 'tolerated'. The noun is 'tolerance' (ending in -ance). The adjective is 'tolerant' (ending in -ant). Be careful not to mix up the endings!