At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe actions. You know that 'bom' means good and 'bem' means well. 'Tolerantemente' is a long word, but it is easy to understand if you break it down. It comes from 'tolerante' (tolerant). In Portuguese, many words that describe 'how' you do something end in '-mente'. It is like the English '-ly'. So, 'tolerantemente' means 'in a tolerant way'. Even if you don't use it in your own speaking yet, you can recognize it when you see the ending '-mente'. It's about being nice to people even when they are different or a little annoying. For example, if a friend is late and you don't get angry, you are acting tolerantemente. Think of it as a 'big word' for being patient and kind with others' mistakes. You might see it in simple stories or hear a teacher tell students to behave 'tolerantemente' with each other in the classroom. It is a very polite word.
At the A2 level, you should begin to recognize and occasionally use adverbs ending in '-mente'. 'Tolerantemente' is a great addition to your vocabulary because it helps you describe social interactions. You already know adjectives like 'feliz' (happy) or 'triste' (sad). Now, you can describe actions. If you 'ouvir' (listen) to someone with an open mind, you listen 'tolerantemente'. This word is very useful when talking about family or friends. For example: 'Minha mãe ouve minhas histórias tolerantemente' (My mother listens to my stories tolerantly). Notice how the word usually comes after the verb. It shows that you are moving beyond simple sentences like 'She is nice' to more complex ones like 'She acts nicely'. You should also notice that 'tolerante' doesn't change for men or women, so the adverb is always 'tolerantemente'. Practice saying it slowly: to-le-ran-te-men-te. It's a rhythmic word that adds a touch of elegance to your basic Portuguese.
As a B1 learner, you are entering the 'independent user' phase. You can now handle more abstract concepts. 'Tolerantemente' is no longer just a 'long word'; it's a tool for discussing values and opinions. You can use it to describe how people in a society should treat each other. It is particularly useful in the 'Intermediate' topics of debate, such as culture, religion, and social habits. You should be able to compare it with 'pacientemente'. Remember: 'pacientemente' is about time, but 'tolerantemente' is about acceptance. For example, 'Eu esperei pacientemente na fila' (I waited patiently in line) vs. 'Eu aceitei as críticas tolerantemente' (I accepted the criticisms tolerantly). You can also start using it with the 'mais' and 'menos' structures to compare behaviors: 'Nesta cidade, as pessoas agem mais tolerantemente do que na minha cidade natal'. This allows you to express more nuanced opinions during conversations or in short essays about social behavior.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use a wider range of vocabulary with precision. 'Tolerantemente' becomes a key word for formal writing and professional contexts. You should understand its nuances compared to 'indulgentemente' (indulgetly) or 'compreensivamente' (understandingly). In a business meeting or a university seminar, using 'tolerantemente' shows you have a grasp of formal register. You might use it to describe a manager's leadership style or a government's policy toward minorities. You should also be aware of the 'suffix dropping' rule: if you use two adverbs, only the last one needs '-mente'. For example: 'O diretor falou clara e tolerantemente'. This is a hallmark of advanced-intermediate fluency. You are now capable of using this word to discuss complex social issues like multiculturalism, explaining how different groups can coexist 'tolerantemente' in a modern democracy. Your ability to use such adverbs correctly helps you sound more like a native speaker and less like a student translating from English.
At the C1 level, you should be sensitive to the stylistic weight of 'tolerantemente'. You understand that while 'com tolerância' is common, 'tolerantemente' adds a specific formal or literary flavor to the text. You can use it in high-level academic writing or complex professional reports. You might analyze how a character in a novel by Eça de Queirós or Machado de Assis responds 'tolerantemente' to a social slight, noting the irony or the genuine virtue behind the action. You are also aware of the word's etymological roots and how it fits into the broader Latin-based vocabulary of European languages. You can use the word to explore philosophical nuances—for example, the 'paradox of tolerance' (o paradoxo da tolerância), discussing whether a society can act tolerantemente toward the intolerant. Your use of the word is effortless, and you can vary your sentence structure to place the adverb for maximum rhetorical impact, perhaps using it at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis in a speech.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery of the adverb 'tolerantemente' and its place in the Portuguese linguistic landscape. You can use it with subtle irony, deep sincerity, or clinical objectivity. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots to its role in the Enlightenment and modern human rights discourse in the Lusophone world. You can distinguish between the 'tolerance' of a physical material and the 'tolerance' of a human spirit, using 'tolerantemente' to create metaphors. In high-level literary translation or creative writing, you know exactly when to use this adverb to capture a specific rhythm or tone that 'com tolerância' or 'de modo tolerante' would miss. You can engage in deep debates about 'convivência' in Portugal or 'mestiçagem' in Brazil, using 'tolerantemente' to describe the complex, sometimes forced, and sometimes beautiful ways different cultures have merged. Your command of such adverbs allows you to express the finest shades of human behavior and social philosophy with the precision of a native intellectual.

tolerantemente in 30 Seconds

  • Tolerantemente is a Portuguese adverb meaning 'tolerantly', used to describe actions performed with acceptance and patience toward differences or disagreements.
  • It is formed by adding the suffix '-mente' to the adjective 'tolerante', which remains the same in both masculine and feminine forms.
  • This word is common in formal contexts, such as news, academic writing, and professional environments, but it can also be used in literature.
  • It differs from 'pacientemente' (patiently) because it specifically focuses on the ethical choice to permit something rather than just waiting.
The Portuguese adverb tolerantemente is a sophisticated yet accessible word used to describe actions performed with a spirit of acceptance, patience, or endurance toward things that one might disagree with or find unpleasant. At its core, it is the adverbial form of the adjective tolerante, which stems from the Latin verb tolerare, meaning to endure or to bear. In modern Portuguese, using this word suggests a conscious decision to allow something to exist or occur without interference, even if it contradicts one's personal values or preferences. It is a cornerstone of civil discourse in Lusophone cultures, reflecting a history of navigating diverse social and religious landscapes.
Cultural Nuance
In Portugal and Brazil, the concept of tolerance is often linked to the idea of 'convivência' (living together). To act tolerantemente is not just to ignore, but to actively permit the space for the 'other'. It carries a weight of maturity and emotional intelligence.

O professor ouviu as opiniões divergentes dos alunos tolerantemente, promovendo um debate saudável.

This word is frequently employed in formal writing, academic discussions, and professional environments where emotional regulation is expected. However, it is also found in literature to describe a character's internal state—perhaps a parent dealing with a child's tantrum or a citizen observing a political rally. Unlike simple 'patience', which focuses on waiting, tolerantemente focuses on the quality of the acceptance.
Grammatical Structure
The suffix '-mente' is the Portuguese equivalent of the English '-ly'. It is added to the feminine singular form of the adjective. Since 'tolerante' ends in 'e' (which is gender-neutral), we simply add the suffix to get tolerantemente.

A sociedade deve agir tolerantemente para com as minorias para garantir a paz social.

Ela sorriu tolerantemente enquanto o vizinho explicava a mesma história pela décima vez.

Register and Tone
While not strictly 'slang', it is rarely heard in very casual street talk. You are more likely to hear it in a TED talk in Lisbon or a news commentary in São Paulo. It implies a level of respect and distance.

Devemos tratar as falhas humanas tolerantemente, pois ninguém é perfeito.

O juiz conduziu o processo tolerantemente, apesar das interrupções constantes.

In summary, this word describes the 'how' of an action—specifically, an action performed with an open mind and a patient heart. Whether in politics, family life, or the arts, acting tolerantemente is seen as a virtue in the Portuguese-speaking world.
Using tolerantemente correctly requires understanding its role as an adverb of manner. In Portuguese syntax, manner adverbs provide essential detail about the execution of a verb. For example, 'Ele falou' (He spoke) is a simple statement, but 'Ele falou tolerantemente' (He spoke tolerantly) adds a layer of characterization to his speech.
Placement Rules
In most declarative sentences, place the adverb immediately after the verb. If there is a direct object, the adverb can follow the object: 'Ele aceitou as críticas tolerantemente'.

Os pais observaram tolerantemente a bagunça que as crianças fizeram na sala.

It is important to distinguish between acting 'tolerantemente' and acting 'passivamente'. While passivity implies a lack of action or indifference, acting tolerantly implies a conscious, often difficult, choice to permit something.
Comparative and Superlative
To compare, use 'mais... do que'. For example: 'Maria agiu mais tolerantemente do que seu irmão'. For the absolute superlative, you would typically use 'muito tolerantemente' rather than a synthetic form.

O governo lidou tolerantemente com os protestos pacíficos na capital.

O líder religioso falou tolerantemente sobre as outras fés durante o encontro ecumênico.

Common Verb Pairings
Verbs like 'ouvir' (to listen), 'agir' (to act), 'responder' (to respond), and 'observar' (to observe) are the most common partners for this adverb. It describes the mental state behind these sensory or communicative actions.

Ela respondeu tolerantemente às perguntas invasivas dos repórteres.

Mesmo cansado, o guia turístico explicou tolerantemente as regras do museu aos visitantes.

Writing with this word helps you avoid repetitive sentence structures. Instead of saying 'He was tolerant when he spoke', you say 'He spoke tolerantly'. This streamlines your Portuguese and makes your narrative or argumentative flow much more professional. In business contexts, 'agir tolerantemente' can be used to describe conflict resolution or managing diverse teams, emphasizing a culture of respect and patience.
You will encounter tolerantemente in several specific domains of Portuguese life. Firstly, in the media and journalism. When discussing human rights, international relations, or social issues, commentators often use this word to describe how different groups or nations should interact. For instance, a news anchor might say that a country is treating refugees 'tolerantemente'. Secondly, in legal and political contexts. In the Portuguese parliament (Assembleia da República) or the Brazilian Congress, you might hear a politician arguing that the state must act tolerantemente toward religious diversity. It is a key term in the discourse of secularism and democracy.
Literature and Philosophy
Portuguese literature, from the classics to modern novelists like José Saramago or Clarice Lispector, uses such adverbs to paint a detailed picture of human psychology. It describes a specific kind of weary but kind acceptance common in Lusophone storytelling.

O ensaísta argumentou que devemos viver tolerantemente em um mundo pluralista.

Thirdly, you will hear it in educational settings. Teachers often use it when discussing classroom rules or historical events. A history teacher might explain how certain empires were able to expand because they treated conquered peoples tolerantemente regarding their customs.

Na reunião de condomínio, os vizinhos tentaram resolver os problemas tolerantemente.

Professional Environment
In corporate training in Brazil or Portugal, specifically those focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), this adverb is a staple. It describes the expected behavior of managers towards diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.

A gerência lidou tolerantemente com os atrasos causados pela greve de transportes.

O diplomata ouviu as exigências do outro lado tolerantemente, buscando um consenso.

Finally, in religious sermons. Many Portuguese-speaking priests or pastors use the word when exhorting their congregation to show love and acceptance to those outside their faith. It bridges the gap between the theological concept of grace and the practical action of tolerance.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using tolerantemente is confusing it with other adverbs like 'pacientemente' (patiently) or 'passivamente' (passively). While they overlap, they are not interchangeable.
Confusion with Patience
'Pacientemente' refers to the ability to wait or endure something without getting angry. 'Tolerantemente' refers to the ethical or social choice to allow something you might dislike. You can wait 'pacientemente' for a bus, but you treat a different opinion 'tolerantemente'.

Erro comum: Eu esperei pelo ônibus tolerantemente. (Correct: pacientemente)

Another mistake is the overuse of the suffix. In English, we use '-ly' very freely. In Portuguese, while '-mente' is common, using too many '-mente' words in a single paragraph can make the text feel heavy or 'clunky'. Writers often swap 'tolerantemente' for 'com tolerância' (with tolerance) to improve the rhythm of the sentence.
Spelling Errors
Some learners try to add the suffix to the masculine form (tolerante-mente is correct, but for other words like 'rápido', you must use the feminine 'rapidamente'). Since 'tolerante' is the same in masculine and feminine, this is less of an issue here, but it is a good rule to remember for other adverbs.

Cuidado: Ele agiu tolerantemente com o crime. (Better: permissivamente, if you mean he was too soft on it).

False Cognate Awareness
While 'tolerantly' and 'tolerantemente' are direct cognates, the context of 'tolerance' in Portuguese can sometimes lean more towards 'endurance' (like a machine's tolerance) in technical contexts. However, as an adverb, it almost always refers to human behavior.

O sistema opera tolerantemente a falhas. (Technically possible, but 'tolerância a falhas' is the standard noun phrase).

Não confunda: Ele aceitou o atraso tolerantemente (he accepted it with an open mind) vs. Ele aceitou o atraso resignadamente (he accepted it because he had no choice).

Lastly, remember that 'tolerantemente' is an adverb, not an adjective. You cannot say 'O homem é tolerantemente'. You must say 'O homem é tolerante' or 'O homem age tolerantemente'.
To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is vital to know words that share a semantic field with tolerantemente. Depending on the context, you might want to use a word that is slightly more specific.
Pacientemente vs. Tolerantemente
As discussed, 'pacientemente' is about time and endurance. Example: 'Esperei pacientemente'. 'Tolerantemente' is about acceptance of difference. Example: 'Ouvi tolerantemente as suas ideias absurdas'.
Indulgentemente
This word implies a certain level of kindness or even 'spoiling' someone. If a grandmother lets her grandson eat cookies before dinner, she is acting 'indulgentemente'. It is a 'softer' version of tolerance.

A avó sorriu indulgentemente para a travessura do neto.

Compreensivamente
This means 'understandingly'. It implies that you not only tolerate the behavior but you actually understand the reason behind it. It is more empathetic than 'tolerantemente'.

O chefe ouviu a explicação do funcionário compreensivamente.

Liberalmente
In a political or social sense, acting 'liberalmente' means acting with a broad-minded and free spirit. It is closely related to the Enlightenment roots of tolerance.

A nova lei foi interpretada liberalmente pelos tribunais.

Devemos agir abertamente e tolerantemente diante do novo.

Using these alternatives allows you to fine-tune your meaning. If you want to emphasize kindness, use 'indulgentemente'. If you want to emphasize logic and empathy, use 'compreensivamente'. If you want to stay neutral and describe a civil stance, 'tolerantemente' is your best choice.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Latin, the suffix '-mente' was originally used in the ablative case 'clara mente' (with a clear mind). Over time, it fused with adjectives to become the standard adverbial suffix in Romance languages.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌtɒl.ə.rən.təˈmẽ.tʃi/
US /ˌtɑː.lə.rən.təˈmẽ.tʃi/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'men'. The secondary stress is on the syllable 'ran'.
Rhymes With
infelizmente rapidamente atentamente fortemente livremente claramente somente presente
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as a strong 'ay' like in 'day'. It should be a soft 'ee' (Brazil) or almost silent (Portugal).
  • Failing to nasalize the 'en' in 'mente'.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable, like 'TO-lerante'.
  • Confusing the 'r' sound with a hard English 'r'. In Portuguese, it is a single tap 'r'.
  • Over-enunciating every syllable like a robot.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the cognate root and standard suffix.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the correct spelling and placement in the sentence.

Speaking 4/5

The length of the word (6 syllables) can be a mouthful for beginners.

Listening 3/5

The nasal 'en' and final 'e' can be tricky to distinguish at high speeds.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

tolerante mente paciência agir ouvir

Learn Next

intolerantemente compreensivamente indulgentemente respeitosamente pacientemente

Advanced

condescendência alteridade pluralismo forberança estoicismo

Grammar to Know

Adverb formation with -mente

Feliz -> Felizmente; Tolerante -> Tolerantemente.

Adverb placement after the verb

Ele falou (verbo) tolerantemente (advérbio).

Suffix dropping in series

Ele agiu calma e tolerantemente (not calmamente e tolerantemente).

Comparison of adverbs

Ela age mais tolerantemente do que ele.

Invariability of adverbs

Eles agem tolerantemente (no 's' at the end of the adverb).

Examples by Level

1

Ele ouve a música do vizinho tolerantemente.

He listens to the neighbor's music tolerantly.

The adverb follows the verb 'ouve'.

2

A professora fala tolerantemente com os alunos.

The teacher speaks tolerantly with the students.

Adverbs ending in -mente are common for describing speech.

3

Nós vivemos tolerantemente nesta casa.

We live tolerantly in this house.

The adverb modifies the verb 'vivemos'.

4

Ela sorri tolerantemente para o irmão.

She smiles tolerantly at her brother.

Notice the placement after the verb 'sorri'.

5

O gato olha tolerantemente para o cachorro.

The cat looks tolerantly at the dog.

Even animals can be described with this adverb in stories.

6

Você deve agir tolerantemente com os outros.

You should act tolerantly with others.

Using 'deve' (should) + infinitive 'agir'.

7

Eles aceitam as regras tolerantemente.

They accept the rules tolerantly.

Direct object 'as regras' comes before the adverb.

8

Maria responde tolerantemente às perguntas.

Maria responds tolerantly to the questions.

The preposition 'às' follows 'responde'.

1

O guia explicou as regras do museu tolerantemente.

The guide explained the museum rules tolerantly.

The adverb describes the manner of the explanation.

2

Mesmo com o barulho, ele trabalhou tolerantemente.

Even with the noise, he worked tolerantly.

'Mesmo com' introduces a concessive clause.

3

Os pais lidam tolerantemente com as brincadeiras.

The parents deal tolerantly with the pranks.

'Lidar com' is a common phrasal verb meaning 'to deal with'.

4

Ela aceitou o atraso do voo tolerantemente.

She accepted the flight delay tolerantly.

The adverb modifies the action of accepting.

5

O médico ouviu o paciente tolerantemente.

The doctor listened to the patient tolerantly.

Focus on the quality of the listening.

6

Nós precisamos conversar tolerantemente sobre isso.

We need to talk tolerantly about this.

Adverb modifying the infinitive 'conversar'.

7

Ele reagiu tolerantemente à crítica do chefe.

He reacted tolerantly to the boss's criticism.

Note the 'à' (a + a) after 'reagiu'.

8

As crianças brincam tolerantemente no parque.

The children play tolerantly in the park.

Describes the social harmony of the play.

1

É importante tratar todas as culturas tolerantemente.

It is important to treat all cultures tolerantly.

Use of the impersonal 'É importante'.

2

O moderador conduziu o debate tolerantemente.

The moderator conducted the debate tolerantly.

Refers to professional neutrality and patience.

3

Ela observava as mudanças na cidade tolerantemente.

She observed the changes in the city tolerantly.

Imperfect tense 'observava' suggests a continuous state.

4

Os vizinhos resolveram o conflito tolerantemente.

The neighbors resolved the conflict tolerantly.

Preterite tense shows a completed action.

5

Devemos ouvir as opiniões contrárias tolerantemente.

We must listen to opposing opinions tolerantly.

Modal verb 'devemos' expresses obligation.

6

O gerente lidou tolerantemente com a falha da equipe.

The manager dealt tolerantly with the team's failure.

Focuses on the lack of harsh punishment.

7

Eles convivem tolerantemente apesar das diferenças religiosas.

They coexist tolerantly despite religious differences.

'Apesar de' is a key B1 connector.

8

A sociedade está aprendendo a agir mais tolerantemente.

Society is learning to act more tolerantly.

Comparative 'mais' used with the adverb.

1

O diplomata respondeu tolerantemente às provocações.

The diplomat responded tolerantly to the provocations.

Implies emotional control in a high-stakes environment.

2

A lei deve ser aplicada tolerantemente em casos específicos.

The law must be applied tolerantly in specific cases.

Passive voice 'deve ser aplicada'.

3

Ele suportou as injustiças tolerantemente durante anos.

He endured the injustices tolerantly for years.

Synonym of 'endurance' in this context.

4

A crítica literária avaliou a obra tolerantemente.

The literary critic evaluated the work tolerantly.

Describes a non-harsh critical approach.

5

Os novos moradores foram recebidos tolerantemente pela vila.

The new residents were received tolerantly by the village.

Passive construction 'foram recebidos'.

6

A empresa incentiva os funcionários a agir tolerantemente.

The company encourages employees to act tolerantly.

Infinitive 'agir' after the object 'funcionários'.

7

Ela discutia política tolerantemente, sem perder a calma.

She discussed politics tolerantly, without losing her cool.

Describes the manner of a difficult discussion.

8

O autor descreve seus personagens tolerantemente.

The author describes his characters tolerantly.

Refers to the author's lack of judgment toward characters.

1

A história nos ensina a olhar tolerantemente para o passado.

History teaches us to look tolerantly at the past.

Metaphorical use of 'olhar' (to look).

2

O filósofo argumentava que a paz só é possível se agirmos tolerantemente.

The philosopher argued that peace is only possible if we act tolerantly.

Conditional 'se agirmos' (future subjunctive).

3

A pluralidade de ideias deve ser acolhida tolerantemente pelo Estado.

The plurality of ideas must be welcomed tolerantly by the State.

Formal vocabulary: 'pluralidade', 'acolhida'.

4

Mesmo diante do absurdo, ele manteve-se tolerantemente em silêncio.

Even in the face of the absurd, he remained tolerantly silent.

Adverb modifying the state of 'em silêncio'.

5

A obra de arte foi interpretada tolerantemente por diversos públicos.

The work of art was interpreted tolerantly by various audiences.

Describes the reception of an avant-garde work.

6

O regime lidou tolerantemente com a dissidência interna.

The regime dealt tolerantly with internal dissent.

Political context regarding freedom of speech.

7

É preciso educar as gerações para que vivam tolerantemente.

It is necessary to educate generations so that they live tolerantly.

Subjunctive 'vivam' after 'para que'.

8

O ensaísta analisa a sociedade contemporânea tolerantemente.

The essayist analyzes contemporary society tolerantly.

Refers to an objective and non-judgmental analysis.

1

A hermenêutica jurídica exige que o magistrado decida tolerantemente.

Legal hermeneutics requires the magistrate to decide tolerantly.

Highly formal/technical context.

2

Subjacente à sua fala, percebia-se um esforço para agir tolerantemente.

Underlying his speech, one could perceive an effort to act tolerantly.

Complex sentence structure with 'subjacente'.

3

A convivência urbana exige que suportemos tolerantemente o ruído do outro.

Urban coexistence requires that we tolerantly endure the noise of others.

Sociological observation about city life.

4

O autor maneja a ironia de forma a tratar seus vilões tolerantemente.

The author handles irony in a way that treats his villains tolerantly.

Literary analysis of narrative voice.

5

Não se trata de passividade, mas de um agir consciente e tolerantemente articulado.

It is not about passivity, but about a conscious and tolerantly articulated action.

Adverb used to modify an adjective/participle 'articulado'.

6

A secularidade do Estado permite que as religiões coexistam tolerantemente.

The secularity of the State allows religions to coexist tolerantly.

Political philosophy context.

7

O tecido social rasga-se quando deixamos de agir tolerantemente.

The social fabric tears when we stop acting tolerantly.

Metaphorical use of 'tecido social'.

8

Ele perscrutou a alma humana, descrevendo suas falhas tolerantemente.

He scrutinized the human soul, describing its flaws tolerantly.

High literary style using 'perscrutou'.

Common Collocations

agir tolerantemente
ouvir tolerantemente
responder tolerantemente
aceitar tolerantemente
observar tolerantemente
viver tolerantemente
lidar tolerantemente
sorrir tolerantemente
tratar tolerantemente
conduzir tolerantemente

Common Phrases

agir calma e tolerantemente

— To act in a calm and tolerant manner. It is a common pairing to describe a balanced reaction.

Diante da crise, ele agiu calma e tolerantemente.

olhar tolerantemente para o erro

— To view a mistake with tolerance rather than harsh judgment.

Devemos olhar tolerantemente para o erro humano.

ouvir tolerantemente o outro

— To give space for another person's voice without immediate contradiction.

O diálogo começa ao ouvir tolerantemente o outro.

viver pacífica e tolerantemente

— To live in a way that is both peaceful and accepting of others.

As comunidades tentam viver pacífica e tolerantemente.

responder sempre tolerantemente

— The habit of always giving a tolerant response regardless of the provocation.

Tente responder sempre tolerantemente às críticas.

aceitar as diferenças tolerantemente

— The core social value of accepting diversity through action.

A escola ensina a aceitar as diferenças tolerantemente.

comportar-se tolerantemente

— To behave in a way that shows tolerance in a specific situation.

Ele comportou-se tolerantemente durante o jantar.

lidar tolerantemente com a diversidade

— To manage or interact with diverse groups in a respectful way.

É essencial lidar tolerantemente com a diversidade no trabalho.

agir mais tolerantemente

— A call for increased tolerance in behavior.

Precisamos agir mais tolerantemente uns com os outros.

tratar a todos tolerantemente

— To apply tolerance universally to everyone.

O objetivo é tratar a todos tolerantemente.

Often Confused With

tolerantemente vs pacientemente

Confused because both involve staying calm, but pacientemente is about time/waiting, while tolerantemente is about acceptance.

tolerantemente vs passivamente

Confused because both might involve not reacting, but passivamente implies a lack of will, while tolerantemente is a choice.

tolerantemente vs permissivamente

Confused in the context of rules; permissivamente is often negative (too soft), whereas tolerantemente is usually positive (respectful).

Idioms & Expressions

"dar um desconto tolerantemente"

— To 'give a discount' (cut someone some slack) in a tolerant way.

Ele agiu tolerantemente e deu um desconto para o atraso do amigo.

informal/colloquial
"fechar os olhos tolerantemente"

— To 'close one's eyes' (ignore something minor) in a tolerant manner.

O guarda fechou os olhos tolerantemente para a pequena infração.

neutral
"engolir sapos tolerantemente"

— To 'swallow frogs' (endure unpleasant things) in a tolerant way, without complaining.

No trabalho, às vezes é preciso engolir sapos tolerantemente.

informal
"levar na esportiva tolerantemente"

— To 'take it in a sporty way' (not take offense) while being tolerant.

Ele levou a piada na esportiva tolerantemente.

informal
"fazer vista grossa tolerantemente"

— To pretend not to see something (turn a blind eye) out of tolerance.

A professora fez vista grossa tolerantemente ao sussurro no fundo.

neutral
"dar corda tolerantemente"

— To 'give rope' (let someone keep talking or acting) to see where it goes, in a tolerant way.

Ele deu corda tolerantemente enquanto o outro mentia.

informal
"ter estômago tolerantemente"

— To 'have the stomach' (the fortitude) to tolerate something unpleasant.

É preciso ter estômago para ouvir certas coisas tolerantemente.

neutral
"baixar a guarda tolerantemente"

— To 'lower one's guard' (be less defensive) in a spirit of tolerance.

Ele baixou a guarda tolerantemente durante a conversa.

neutral
"estender a mão tolerantemente"

— To 'extend a hand' (offer help/peace) in a tolerant manner.

O líder estendeu a mão tolerantemente ao seu opositor.

neutral
"não fazer tempestade em copo d'água tolerantemente"

— To not make a 'storm in a glass of water' (overreact) by being tolerant.

Ela não fez tempestade em copo d'água e agiu tolerantemente.

informal

Easily Confused

tolerantemente vs tolerante

It's the adjective form.

Tolerante describes a person or thing; tolerantemente describes an action.

Ele é um homem tolerante. Ele agiu tolerantemente.

tolerantemente vs tolerância

It's the noun form.

Tolerância is the concept; tolerantemente is the manner.

A tolerância é importante. Ele falou com tolerância (tolerantemente).

tolerantemente vs totalmente

Similar ending and length.

Totalmente means 'totally' or 'completely', unrelated to tolerance.

Eu concordo totalmente.

tolerantemente vs tardiamente

Similar sound structure.

Tardiamente means 'belatedly' or 'late'.

Ele chegou tardiamente.

tolerantemente vs tenuemente

Similar ending and formal feel.

Tenuemente means 'tenuously' or 'faintly'.

A luz brilhava tenuemente.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Eu [verbo] tolerantemente.

Eu ouço tolerantemente.

A2

Ele [verbo] [objeto] tolerantemente.

Ele aceitou o presente tolerantemente.

B1

É preciso [verbo] tolerantemente.

É preciso agir tolerantemente.

B2

Apesar de [substantivo], ela [verbo] tolerantemente.

Apesar do barulho, ela trabalhou tolerantemente.

C1

Agir tolerantemente é uma forma de [substantivo].

Agir tolerantemente é uma forma de respeito.

C2

Quanto mais [verbo], mais tolerantemente [verbo].

Quanto mais conhecemos o outro, mais tolerantemente agimos.

B1

[Verbo] de forma calma e tolerantemente.

Respondeu de forma calma e tolerantemente.

A2

Você [verbo] muito tolerantemente.

Você fala muito tolerantemente.

Word Family

Nouns

tolerância (tolerance)
tolerante (a tolerant person)
intolerância (intolerance)

Verbs

tolerar (to tolerate)
suportar (to endure/bear)

Adjectives

tolerante (tolerant)
tolerável (tolerable)
intolerante (intolerant)
intolerável (intolerable)

Related

paciência
respeito
aceitação
convivência
pluralismo

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-high in written Portuguese; medium in spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'tolerantemente' for waiting for a bus. Eu esperei pacientemente pelo ônibus.

    Tolerantemente is about social/ethical acceptance, not just time.

  • Saying 'Ele é muito tolerantemente'. Ele é muito tolerante.

    You cannot use an adverb as an adjective to describe a person.

  • Spelling it 'tolerantamente'. Tolerantemente.

    The root adjective is 'tolerante', so the 'e' must be preserved.

  • Stressing the syllable 'ran'. Stress the syllable 'men'.

    In all '-mente' adverbs, the primary stress is on the 'men'.

  • Using it to mean 'lazily'. Ele agiu preguiçosamente.

    Tolerantemente implies a respectful choice, not a lack of energy.

Tips

The Suffix Rule

Always remember that '-mente' adverbs are formed from the feminine singular adjective. For 'tolerante', it's easy because it doesn't change, but for 'rápido', it becomes 'rapidamente'.

Vary Your Vocabulary

If you have already used 'tolerantemente' in a paragraph, try 'com tolerância' or 'de modo tolerante' next time to keep your writing interesting.

Nasalization is Key

The 'an' in 'tolerantemente' and the 'en' in 'mente' are nasal. Practice by pinching your nose; you should feel it vibrate when you say those syllables correctly.

Convivência

Use 'tolerantemente' when talking about social harmony. It's a very positive word in Lusophone cultures that value 'convivência' (peaceful coexistence).

Diplomacy

If you are in a heated debate in Portuguese, starting a sentence with 'Eu ouço o que você diz tolerantemente, mas...' can help de-escalate the tension.

Catch the Rhythm

Portuguese adverbs are long. Listen for the 'da-da-da-da-DA-da' rhythm. Identifying the rhythm helps you spot the '-mente' ending even in fast speech.

Opposites Attract

Learn 'intolerantemente' at the same time. Knowing the opposite helps reinforce the meaning of the original word in your memory.

Suffix Dropping

In formal writing, if you have two adverbs like 'calmamente' and 'tolerantemente', write 'calma e tolerantemente'. It's a sign of high-level proficiency.

Not Just Patience

Don't just use it for waiting. Use it for the active choice of letting others be who they are. It's about 'live and let live'.

Professionalism

Use this word in job interviews or professional emails to describe your soft skills, like managing diverse teams or handling difficult clients.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TOLERANT MENTality'. The word 'tolerantemente' is just 'tolerant' + 'mente' (mentality/mind). If you act tolerantemente, you have a tolerant mind.

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting calmly in a noisy room, holding a sign that says 'I am okay with this'. The calmness represents the 'mente' part of the word.

Word Web

Tolerar Mente Paz Respeito Diferença Ouvir Aceitar Civilidade

Challenge

Try to use 'tolerantemente' in a sentence today when you describe how you deal with a small frustration, like a slow internet connection or a long line.

Word Origin

Derived from the Portuguese adjective 'tolerante', which comes from the Latin 'tolerans' (the present participle of 'tolerare', meaning to bear, endure, or sustain). The suffix '-mente' comes from the Latin word 'mens, mentis', meaning 'mind'.

Original meaning: Originally, it meant doing something with an enduring mind or a mind that bears weight.

It is a Romance language adverb, sharing cognates with the Spanish 'tolerantemente', French 'toléramment', and Italian 'tollerantemente'.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'tolerantemente' to describe situations of serious abuse or crime where 'tolerance' would be inappropriate or offensive. It is for differences and minor annoyances, not for condoning harm.

English speakers might find 'tolerantemente' more formal than 'tolerantly'. In English, we often use 'with tolerance' or 'patiently' in situations where Portuguese speakers would use this specific adverb.

The 'Edict of Tolerance' (Édito de Tolerância) is a historical term often discussed in Portuguese history classes. The philosopher Voltaire's 'Treatise on Tolerance' is widely translated and studied in Lusophone universities. The Brazilian song 'Tolerância' by various artists often touches on the theme of acting tolerantemente in urban chaos.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

  • Debater tolerantemente
  • Governar tolerantemente
  • Oposição agindo tolerantemente
  • Tratado tolerantemente

Family

  • Educar tolerantemente
  • Lidar tolerantemente com os filhos
  • Ouvir os pais tolerantemente
  • Convivência tolerantemente construída

Work

  • Gerenciar tolerantemente
  • Aceitar feedback tolerantemente
  • Trabalhar tolerantemente em equipe
  • Resolver conflitos tolerantemente

Religion

  • Coexistir tolerantemente
  • Pregar tolerantemente
  • Aceitar outras fés tolerantemente
  • Diálogo tolerantemente conduzido

Self-Improvement

  • Agir tolerantemente consigo mesmo
  • Observar os próprios erros tolerantemente
  • Pensar tolerantemente
  • Mudar tolerantemente

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que as pessoas hoje em dia agem tolerantemente nas redes sociais?"

"Como podemos ensinar as crianças a agir mais tolerantemente na escola?"

"Você já teve que agir tolerantemente em uma situação muito difícil?"

"Na sua opinião, qual é o limite de agir tolerantemente com alguém?"

"Você prefere ser tratado tolerantemente ou com total honestidade, mesmo que doa?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você agiu tolerantemente com alguém que tinha uma opinião totalmente diferente da sua.

Reflexão: É possível agir tolerantemente o tempo todo ou existem limites para a tolerância?

Escreva sobre como a sua cultura lida com a diversidade. As pessoas agem tolerantemente em público?

Imagine um mundo onde todos agem tolerantemente. Como seria o dia a dia nesse mundo?

Analise uma situação no seu trabalho onde agir tolerantemente poderia ter evitado um problema.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. While both imply a lack of anger, 'pacientemente' is mostly about waiting or enduring time without frustration. 'Tolerantemente' is specifically about accepting something you might disagree with or find different from your own ways. You wait patiently for a bus, but you listen tolerantly to a political opponent.

Yes, but it might sound a bit formal. In a casual chat with friends, you might say 'com tolerância' or just 'de boa'. However, using 'tolerantemente' is perfectly correct and shows you have a good vocabulary. It is very common in serious discussions about behavior.

It is 'tolerantemente'. The 'e' from the adjective 'tolerante' is kept before the suffix '-mente'. In Portuguese, we use the feminine form of the adjective to form adverbs, but since 'tolerante' is the same for both genders, it simply stays as 'tolerante' + 'mente'.

In Brazil, it sounds like 'MEN-tchee' (nasal 'en', then a 'ch' sound). In Portugal, it sounds like 'MEN-tuh' or 'MEN-te', with the final 'e' being very short and almost silent. The nasalization of the 'en' is the most important part to get right.

The main stress of any adverb ending in '-mente' is always on the 'men' syllable. So, it is to-le-ran-te-MEN-te. There is also a secondary, lighter stress on the third syllable 'ran'.

No. 'Tolerantemente' is an adverb, so it must modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. To describe a person, use the adjective: 'Ele é tolerante'. To describe how he acts, say: 'Ele age tolerantemente'.

Yes! It is the exact opposite. It means acting in an intolerant way. For example: 'Ele recusou-se intolerantemente a ouvir o outro lado'. It follows the same grammatical rules as 'tolerantemente'.

Yes, it is common in all Portuguese-speaking countries. The meaning is identical everywhere, though the pronunciation will vary slightly according to the local accent (especially the final 'te').

The most common are 'agir' (to act), 'ouvir' (to listen), 'responder' (to respond), 'viver' (to live), and 'aceitar' (to accept). It essentially describes the 'vibe' or manner of these social actions.

It is possible but rare. You might say 'Ele é tolerantemente aberto a novas ideias' (He is tolerantly open to new ideas), but usually, it is used with verbs.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'He acted tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'She listens tolerantly to her friends.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'We must live tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The teacher explained the rule tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'They accepted the differences tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'Respond tolerantly to the criticism.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'He smiled tolerantly at the child.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The judge spoke tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'It is important to act tolerantly in society.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'She handled the situation tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The guide answered the questions tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'We need to talk tolerantly about politics.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'He treats everyone tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The company encourages acting tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'Even tired, he worked tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'She observed the mess tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The diplomat reacted tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'They coexist tolerantly in the city.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The critic evaluated the book tolerantly.'

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'He endured the noise tolerantly.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'to-le-ran-te-men-te'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Eu ajo tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ela fala tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Nós vivemos tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Repeat: 'O juiz ouviu tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Repeat: 'Responda tolerantemente à crítica.'

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speaking

Say: 'Calma e tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Pronounce the nasal vowels in 'tolerantemente'.

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speaking

Say: 'É preciso agir tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Repeat: 'Eles coexistem tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Say: 'O autor escreve tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Repeat: 'Lidar tolerantemente com a dor.'

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speaking

Say: 'O professor explicou tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Aceitar tolerantemente as falhas.'

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speaking

Repeat: 'Sorrir tolerantemente para o erro.'

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speaking

Say: 'Agir mais tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Viver pacífica e tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Repeat: 'A lei foi aplicada tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Say: 'O mediador falou tolerantemente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Tolerantemente falando...'

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listening

Listen and write the adverb: [Audio: tolerantemente]

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listening

Identify the number of syllables in the word you hear: [Audio: tolerantemente]

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listening

Which word is stressed in this phrase? [Audio: Ele agiu tolerantemente]

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listening

Listen and translate: [Audio: Ouça tolerantemente]

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listening

Is the speaker acting angry or tolerant? [Audio: Eu aceito isso tolerantemente]

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listening

Write the missing word: 'O juiz falou ________.' [Audio: O juiz falou tolerantemente]

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listening

Listen for the suffix: Is it '-mente' or '-dade'? [Audio: tolerantemente]

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listening

How many times do you hear 'tolerantemente' in this text? [Audio clip]

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listening

Listen and identify the verb modified: [Audio: Ela sorriu tolerantemente]

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listening

Is the voice formal or informal? [Audio: O magistrado agiu tolerantemente]

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listening

Translate the phrase you hear: [Audio: Viva tolerantemente]

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listening

Listen to the vowel 'a' in 'tolerante'. Is it open or nasal? [Audio: tolerantemente]

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listening

Write the phrase: [Audio: Responda tolerantemente]

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listening

Identify the antonym in the audio: [Audio: Ele não agiu tolerantemente, agiu intolerantemente]

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listening

Listen and write the adjectives used: [Audio: Um homem tolerante que age tolerantemente]

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/ 200 correct

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