Tolerating - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

interpersonal relationships

Tolerating means allowing something that you dislike or disagree with to exist or occur without interference. It involves showing patience and acceptance towards something or someone, despite not approving of it.

Synonyms

accepting, enduring, putting up with.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tolerating	Used when describing a situation where someone allows or endures something unpleasant or offensive without immediate reaction. It often implies a sense of patience but can carry a feeling of reluctance. She was tolerating her noisy neighbors every night. He was tolerating the long meetings, even though he disliked them.
enduring	Used when describing a prolonged and often difficult experience. It emphasizes a sense of survival and resilience over a period of time. They were enduring the harsh winter conditions. She was enduring the pain of her injury with impressive strength.
putting up with	Typically informal and describes dealing with or tolerating something annoying or unpleasant. It often indicates a low but necessary level of patience. He was putting up with his boss's constant criticism. She was putting up with the bad service at the restaurant.
accepting	Implies a positive, proactive embrace of a situation, object, or person without protest. Often used in contexts where there is a willingness or readiness to receive something. She was accepting the award with a gracious smile. He was accepting his new responsibilities with enthusiasm.

Examples of usage

He was tolerating his noisy neighbors because he didn't want to cause any conflicts.
She was tolerating her colleague's rude behavior in order to maintain a peaceful work environment.
I have a hard time tolerating injustice and discrimination.
We need to learn the art of tolerating differences in opinions to foster a harmonious society.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, the concept of tolerating differences promotes harmony and understanding among diverse groups.
Religious teachings often stress the importance of tolerating others, seen in various forms of doctrine that encourage peace and coexistence.
Tolerance as a social value varies globally, with some societies prioritizing acceptance more than others.

Psychology

Tolerating discomfort or frustration is linked to emotional resilience, helping individuals cope better with stress.
Studies show that practicing tolerance can lead to improved relationships, as it fosters empathy and reduces conflict.
Mindfulness techniques often encourage individuals to tolerate uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of tolerance, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird' which highlights the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Notable authors like Mark Twain challenge readers to tolerate societal flaws through satire in their storytelling.
Poetry often captures the struggle of tolerating pain or hardship, revealing deep emotional insights.

Philosophy

Philosophers like John Stuart Mill argued that tolerance is essential for a functioning society, promoting freedom of thought and expression.
The concept of toleration has evolved, with modern philosophy examining limits and boundaries of acceptance.
Discussions on ethical tolerance often confront the challenge of tolerating intolerant behaviors, raising questions about moral obligations.

Origin of 'tolerating'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear' or 'to endure'.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originating from the Old French 'tolérer'.
Related words like 'tolerance' and 'tolerant' share this Latin root and have evolved in English use over centuries.

The word 'tolerating' originates from the Latin word 'toleratus', which means 'endured' or 'suffered'. The concept of toleration has a long history in philosophy and politics, with thinkers such as John Locke and Voltaire discussing the importance of tolerance in society. Tolerating is seen as a crucial aspect of human interaction, promoting understanding and coexistence despite differences.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,328, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25325 seceded
25326 goaded
25327 astrophysics
25328 tolerating
25329 coherently
25330 hairless
25331 jostled
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Tolerating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations