tolerate
Meaning
To allow something that you do not like or agree with to happen or continue without opposing it.
To be able to accept or endure something unpleasant or difficult without being harmed.
Structure
Usage
She can no longer tolerate the constant noise from the construction site.
The body cannot tolerate such large doses of the medication.
We have a zero-tolerance policy and will not tolerate bullying of any kind.
Etymology
The word 'tolerate' entered English in the early 16th century from the Latin past participle 'toleratus', of the verb 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear, endure, put up with'. The Latin root itself is of uncertain origin, though it may be related to 'tollere', meaning 'to lift, raise', suggesting the concept of bearing a weight. Over time, the meaning evolved from the physical act of enduring hardship to the more abstract social and psychological concept of allowing or permitting something one disagrees with. The modern sense emphasizes forbearance and acceptance rather than mere passive endurance.
Analysis
'toler' originates from the Latin verb 'tolerare', meaning 'to bear, endure, sustain'. The suffix '-ate' is a verb-forming suffix from Latin '-atus', used to create verbs from nouns or adjectives.