the word tolerable is built upon the latin verb tolerare, which means to bear, support, or endure. this verb itself is thought to derive from an older indo-european root meaning to lift or carry, a concept that metaphorically extends to bearing hardship. the suffix -abilis was added to create the latin adjective tolerabilis, meaning "that can be borne or endured." entering english via old french, the word retained this core sense of being bearable, later expanding to describe something that is acceptable or passable in quality, thus capturing the idea of something just good enough to be endured without complaint.

Structure: toler (endure) + able (capable of) toler originates from latin tolerare (to bear, endure). able originates from latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to".