Library / English Dictionary |
TOLERANT
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
Example:
tolerant of his opponent's opinions
Synonyms:
broad; large-minded; liberal; tolerant
Classified under:
Similar:
broad-minded (inclined to respect views and beliefs that differ from your own)
Derivation:
tolerate (recognize and respect (rights and beliefs of others))
Sense 2
Meaning:
Tolerant and forgiving under provocation
Example:
our neighbor was very kind about the window our son broke
Synonyms:
kind; tolerant
Classified under:
Similar:
forgiving (inclined or able to forgive and show mercy)
Derivation:
tolerate (put up with something or somebody unpleasant)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Showing the capacity for endurance
Example:
a man patient of distractions
Synonyms:
patient of; tolerant
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
patient (enduring trying circumstances with even temper or characterized by such endurance)
Derivation:
tolerate (put up with something or somebody unpleasant)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Able to tolerate environmental conditions or physiological stress
Example:
the new hybrid is more resistant to drought
Synonyms:
resistant; tolerant
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
tolerable (capable of being borne or endured)
Sense 5
Meaning:
Showing respect for the rights or opinions or practices of others
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
unbigoted (not opinionated)
Also:
charitable (full of love and generosity)
patient (enduring trying circumstances with even temper or characterized by such endurance)
Antonym:
intolerant (unwilling to tolerate difference of opinion)
Derivation:
tolerance (willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others)
tolerate (recognize and respect (rights and beliefs of others))
Context examples:
These are herbaceous, drought-tolerant perennial plants growing to 1 or 2 m in height.
(Echinacea, NCI Thesaurus)
Drugs from this chemical class are used for their central nervous system depressant properties including sedation, facilitation of sleep, seizure control, general anesthesia, anxiolytic, amnestic, and for detoxification from similar (cross tolerant) drugs
(Benzodiazepine, NCI Thesaurus)
If you ask me now, after fifty years, why it was that there should have been this virulent feeling against them, so foreign to the easy-going and tolerant British nature, I would confess that I think the real reason was fear.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Challenger smiled with weary and tolerant contempt, as a kindly man would meet the yapping of a litter of puppies.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
The thought gnawed in his brain, an unceasing torment, while he smiled and succeeded in being tolerant.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
He was the fellow who had lived and thrilled and loved; who had been easy-going and tolerant of the frailties of life; who had served in the forecastle, wandered in strange lands, and led his gang in the old fighting days.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)