Tolerable
/ˈtɒlərəbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsCapable of being endured or withstood; endurable.
/ˈtɒlərəbəl/
Able to be endured or put up with; bearable.
The pain was tolerable after taking the painkiller.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is telling a really long, boring story, but you can still listen without falling asleep or getting angry. That's tolerable! It's not great, but you can deal with it.
👶 For kids: Something is tolerable if you can handle it. Like, if your broccoli isn't yummy, but you can still eat it.
More Examples
The conditions were barely tolerable, but they managed to survive.
The performance was tolerable, though not particularly impressive.
For a beginner, the challenge was tolerable.
How It's Used
"The heat was barely tolerable."
"The side effects were tolerable with proper medication."
Satisfactory, but not excellent; adequate or acceptable.
/ˈtɒlərəbəl/
Fairly good; acceptable, though not outstanding.
The food at the restaurant was tolerable.
💡 Simply: Imagine you get a pizza, and it's okay, but not the best pizza ever. It's a 'tolerable' pizza, meaning you won't complain, but you're not jumping for joy either!
👶 For kids: If something is good enough, but not amazing, it's tolerable, like a game you kinda like.
More Examples
Her presentation was tolerable, but she could have been more engaging.
The service was tolerable, nothing special.
The movie was tolerable, though a bit slow paced.
How It's Used
"The team's performance was tolerable but needed improvement."
"The product quality was tolerable for the price."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
barely tolerable
Just able to be endured or tolerated.
"The heat was barely tolerable without air conditioning."
From Middle English *tolerable*, from Old French *tolerable*, from Latin *tolerabilis* ('able to be endured'), from *tolerare* ('to bear, endure').
The word 'tolerable' has been used since the 14th century to describe something able to be endured or accepted.
Memory tip
Think of a 'tolerable' amount of spice in your food - you can handle it, but maybe you wouldn't want more.
Word Origin
"to bear, endure"