An intolerant person refuses to accept or respect perspectives that differ from their own.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Someone who does not accept different beliefs or behaviors.
- Describes a person who lacks respect for diversity.
- Often used to criticize closed-minded attitudes.
Overview
El término 'intolerante' es fundamental para describir actitudes sociales. Derivado del latín 'intolerans', denota una incapacidad o falta de disposición para soportar aquello que nos resulta ajeno o diferente. En un nivel B1, es una palabra clave para discutir valores, convivencia y ética personal.
Usage Patterns
Se utiliza principalmente con el verbo 'ser' (ej. 'Él es intolerante') para describir un rasgo de personalidad permanente. También puede aparecer con verbos de estado como 'mostrarse' o 'volverse'. Es común encontrarlo seguido de la preposición 'con' para especificar qué es lo que no se tolera (ej. 'Es intolerante con las críticas').
Common Contexts
Esta palabra aparece frecuentemente en debates políticos, discusiones religiosas, entornos escolares y situaciones de convivencia diaria. Se usa para señalar actitudes que dificultan el diálogo o la paz social. Por ejemplo, se puede aplicar a alguien que no respeta otras religiones o que se molesta por hábitos personales de sus vecinos.
Similar Words comparison
A diferencia de 'cerrado', que implica una falta de apertura mental general, 'intolerante' implica una carga más activa de rechazo o falta de respeto. Mientras que 'impaciente' se refiere a la dificultad de esperar, 'intolerante' se enfoca específicamente en la falta de aceptación del 'otro'.
Examples
Es intolerante con las opiniones de sus amigos.
everydayHe is intolerant of his friends' opinions.
La sociedad debe luchar contra las actitudes intolerantes.
formalSociety must fight against intolerant attitudes.
¡No seas tan intolerante!
informalDon't be so intolerant!
El estudio analiza el comportamiento intolerante en grupos minoritarios.
academicThe study analyzes intolerant behavior in minority groups.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ser intolerante a la lactosa
to be lactose intolerant
una persona intolerante
an intolerant person
mostrar una actitud intolerante
to show an intolerant attitude
Often Confused With
Impaciente refers to a lack of patience with time or waiting. Intolerante refers to a lack of respect for beliefs or behaviors.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is used in both formal and informal registers. It is highly common in social and political discourse. Note that it also has a specific medical use regarding food sensitivities.
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'intolerante' to mean 'impatient'. Remember that 'intolerante' is about personality and values. Also, avoid omitting the preposition 'con' when specifying the object of intolerance.
Tips
Use with the preposition 'con'
Always pair 'intolerante' with 'con' when mentioning the specific thing being rejected. For example, 'Él es intolerante con el ruido'.
Avoid using as a synonym for impatient
Do not confuse it with 'impaciente'. Intolerant is about opinions or beliefs, not about waiting for something.
Context matters in Spanish culture
In Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone 'intolerante' is a strong social criticism. Use it carefully in formal debates.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'intolerans', composed of 'in-' (not) and 'tolerare' (to bear or endure). It has kept its meaning of 'not being able to bear' throughout history.
Cultural Context
The concept of tolerance is a central pillar in modern democratic societies in the Spanish-speaking world. Labeling someone as 'intolerante' is often a way to highlight a lack of civic maturity.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who 'cannot tolerate' others' ideas. If you cannot 'tolerate' something, you are 'intolerante'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo exactamente. Ser cerrado implica una dificultad para cambiar de opinión, mientras que ser intolerante implica una falta de respeto activa hacia las opiniones ajenas.
Puedes decir 'No seas intolerante con las ideas de tus compañeros'. También se usa para describir condiciones físicas, como 'soy intolerante a la lactosa'.
No, es un término con una connotación negativa en contextos sociales. Sin embargo, en medicina, se usa de forma neutra para describir reacciones biológicas.
Test Yourself
Juan es muy ___ con las personas que piensan distinto a él.
El contexto indica una actitud de rechazo hacia opiniones diferentes.
Score: /1
Summary
An intolerant person refuses to accept or respect perspectives that differ from their own.
- Someone who does not accept different beliefs or behaviors.
- Describes a person who lacks respect for diversity.
- Often used to criticize closed-minded attitudes.
Use with the preposition 'con'
Always pair 'intolerante' with 'con' when mentioning the specific thing being rejected. For example, 'Él es intolerante con el ruido'.
Avoid using as a synonym for impatient
Do not confuse it with 'impaciente'. Intolerant is about opinions or beliefs, not about waiting for something.
Context matters in Spanish culture
In Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone 'intolerante' is a strong social criticism. Use it carefully in formal debates.
Examples
4 of 4Es intolerante con las opiniones de sus amigos.
He is intolerant of his friends' opinions.
La sociedad debe luchar contra las actitudes intolerantes.
Society must fight against intolerant attitudes.
¡No seas tan intolerante!
Don't be so intolerant!
El estudio analiza el comportamiento intolerante en grupos minoritarios.
The study analyzes intolerant behavior in minority groups.
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