Phrasal verbs are word combinations that mean something different than the individual words. They can make your speech and writing more interesting. In this article, we will focus on a word with which many phrasal verbs are associated: tolerate. You will learn “15 phrasal verbs for tolerate” with definitions and examples. By the end of this article, you will be able to use these tolerate phrasal verbs confidently and correctly in your English communication.
Understanding “Tolerate”
Before we explore the list of phrasal verbs for tolerate, let’s first understand the meaning of “tolerate.”
To tolerate something means to accept or endure it, even if you don’t like it or agree with it. For example, you might tolerate a noisy neighbor, bad weather, or a different opinion. But what if you want to say more than just tolerate? What if you want to express how you tolerate something, or what you do when you can’t tolerate something anymore? That’s when you need to use phrasal verbs!
Tolerate Phrasal Verb | 15 Phrasal Verbs for Tolerate
1. Bear with
To be patient or endure a challenging circumstance.
When you ask someone to “bear with” you, you are requesting their patience or understanding during a difficult situation or task.
Examples:
- Bear with us while we conclude the details of the event.
- Please bear with us as we fix the glitch on our website.
2. Cut some slack
To tolerate or give someone some leeway or forgiveness.
When you “cut someone some slack,” you offer them tolerance, understanding, or forgiveness, often in response to difficulties they may be facing.
Examples:
- I made a mistake on the report, but my boss decided to cut me some slack because it was my first time.
- She’s going through a tough time, so it’s essential to cut her some slack and be understanding.
3. Go along with
To agree with or tolerate someone else’s ideas or decisions.
If you “go along with” someone, you tolerate or accept their opinions or choices, even if you don’t necessarily agree.
Examples:
- Though the boss didn’t love the idea, he decided to go along with the team’s decision.
- My uncle didn’t like my new business plan but decided to go along with it anyway.
4. Grin and bear it
To endure a challenging situation with a smile or good humor.
This phrase suggests facing a difficult circumstance with a positive attitude, even if it’s tough.
Examples:
- Even though the meeting was boring, I decided to grin and bear it.
- Even though the food wasn’t great at the party, I decided to grin and bear it to avoid hurting the host’s feelings.
5. Hold with
To tolerate or accept a particular viewpoint or idea.
When you “hold with” a certain belief or behavior, you tolerate or accept it as valid or appropriate.
Examples:
- I don’t really hold with the idea of staying up too late during the week; it affects my productivity.
- She doesn’t hold with gossiping about others; she believes in respecting people’s privacy.
6. Live with
To tolerate or accept a situation or person on an ongoing basis.
If you can “live with” something, it means you can tolerate or accept it, even if it’s not ideal, for an extended period.
Examples:
- I’ve learned to live with my roommate’s messy habits.
- I’ve decided to live with my co-worker’s strong perfume since asking them to change it might create an uncomfortable situation.
7. Look past
To tolerate or ignore someone’s flaws or shortcomings.
When you “look past” someone’s imperfections, you choose to ignore or tolerate them in favor of recognizing their positive qualities.
Examples:
- It’s essential to look past someone’s appearance and get to know them for who they truly are.
- I can look past my sister’s teasing because I know she means well and loves me.
8. Lump it
To tolerate or accept a situation, often grudgingly or without enthusiasm.
When you have to “lump it,” you accept something, albeit reluctantly or without much enthusiasm.
Examples:
- Monica wasn’t interested in the movie but decided to go and lump it.
- Since there’s no other option right now, I guess I’ll have to lump it.
9. Put a brave face on
To endure difficulties with a positive attitude, even if it’s challenging.
This phrase suggests facing challenges with courage and maintaining a positive demeanor despite adversity.
Examples:
- Even though she was nervous about the presentation, she put on a brave face.
- Despite feeling nervous, Carol put on a brave face during her speech.
10. Put up with
To tolerate or endure a difficult or annoying situation or person.
When you “put up with” something or someone, you tolerate or bear with it, even if it’s unpleasant or annoying.
Examples:
- I put up with my neighbor’s barking dog by using earplugs.
- I have to put up with my roommate’s loud music every night, even though it’s hard to sleep.
11. Roll with the punches
To adapt to difficulties or challenges and continue forward.
This phrase signifies the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges and keep moving forward without dwelling on setbacks.
Examples:
- It’s easier to navigate difficult situations when you can roll with the punches and adapt to changes.
- Life is full of ups and downs, but it’s important to roll with the punches and keep moving forward.
12. Stand for
To tolerate or accept something, often used in negative contexts.
When you declare that you won’t “stand for” something, you express your refusal to tolerate or accept a particular behavior or situation.
Examples:
- I won’t stand for rudeness in my classroom.
- You should not stand for any form of discrimination in our workplace.
13. Suck it up
To endure a difficult situation without complaining.
When you “suck it up,” you face challenges without expressing complaints or negativity.
Examples:
- I had to suck it up and work late to meet the deadline.
- The shoes were a bit tight, but I had to suck it up and wear them for the special occasion.
14. Suffer through
To endure or tolerate a difficult or unpleasant experience.
When you “suffer through” something, you endure a challenging or unpleasant situation without giving up or complaining.
Examples:
- I had to suffer through the boring lecture without falling asleep.
- The long wait at the doctor’s office made me suffer through old magazines to pass the time.
15. Turn a blind eye to
To choose to ignore or tolerate something, usually something undesirable.
When you “turn a blind eye to” something, you deliberately ignore or tolerate it, even if it’s not ideal.
Examples:
- Even though I knew my friend was breaking the rules, I decided to turn a blind eye to it and not report them.
- Sometimes, it’s tempting to turn a blind eye to small mistakes to maintain a positive working relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering phrasal verbs for tolerance can significantly enhance your English communication skills. By understanding word combinations like “bear with,” “cut some slack,” and “turn a blind eye to,” you can effectively express your tolerance and the specific ways you handle challenging situations. So, don’t just tolerate dull language—learn and use these phrasal verbs to add a dynamic touch to your communication. With these 15 phrasal verbs for tolerance, you can confidently navigate various situations, expressing your patience, understanding, and resilience.
