merely tolerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely tolerate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a minimal level of acceptance or endurance of something without enthusiasm or approval. Example: "I don't enjoy the noise, but I can merely tolerate it while I work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In the end we cannot merely tolerate the intolerant for as Popper warns, "If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them," in other words, democracy itself is at risk if we merely accept the presence of bigotry.

Huffington Post

Or you may merely tolerate it, if you give it much thought at all.

The New York Times

Mr. Ford, 39, seems to relish the chitchat with his potential constituents — and the airing of grievances — that many fellow politicians merely tolerate.

The New York Times

While the rich and famous merely tolerate most other party photographers, and regard the lurking paparazzi as subhuman, they dote on Mr. McMullan.

The New York Times - Style

Some are simply resigned to this post-apartheid reality, and they merely tolerate the presence of black people in these places.

The New York Times

One problem with approval voting, for example, is that voters are instinctively reluctant to give equal weight to a candidate they really like and candidates they can merely tolerate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But tolerance suggests that there is an accepted view that merely tolerates a somewhat less accepted view.

The New York Times

Serena loves it; Venus merely tolerates it.

The New York Times - Sports

All these things are not merely tolerated, but made worse.

The Guardian

She never really acknowledged me, merely tolerated me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The beautiful women who once sighed for Casanova now merely tolerated him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely tolerate" to convey a sense of grudging acceptance or a lack of enthusiasm. For example, "I can "merely tolerate" the noise while working."

Common error

Avoid using "merely tolerate" when you intend to express genuine acceptance or approval. It's best suited for situations where you are enduring something without enjoying it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely tolerate" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action is performed, specifically conveying a sense of minimal acceptance or passive endurance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Huffington Post

18%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

Encyclopedia Britannica

3%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely tolerate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys a minimal level of acceptance or endurance. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English to express a sense of begrudging acceptance. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Huffington Post and its most semantically similar alternatives include "barely tolerate" and "just put up with". When using this phrase, remember that it's best suited for situations where you are enduring something without enjoying it, rather than expressing genuine acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely tolerate

Implies a near inability to accept or endure something.

just put up with

Indicates acceptance without enthusiasm or active approval.

grudgingly accept

Highlights the reluctance in accepting something.

passively endure

Emphasizes enduring something without active resistance.

resignedly bear

Suggests acceptance due to resignation rather than willingness.

accept without enthusiasm

Explicitly states the lack of enthusiasm in accepting something.

bear with impatience

Describes enduring something with a sense of frustration.

condescendingly allow

Suggests permitting something from a position of superiority.

tolerate with reservation

Indicates acceptance with underlying doubts or hesitations.

suffer in silence

Highlights the quiet endurance of something unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "merely tolerate" in a sentence?

Use "merely tolerate" to indicate a minimal level of acceptance or endurance. For example: "I "merely tolerate" the long commute because I love my job."

What are some alternatives to "merely tolerate"?

You can use alternatives like "barely tolerate", "just put up with", or "grudgingly accept" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "merely tolerate" or "actively accept"?

The choice depends on the context. "Merely tolerate" implies a lack of enthusiasm, while "actively accept" suggests willing approval and endorsement.

What's the difference between "merely tolerate" and "actively encourage"?

"Merely tolerate" means passively accepting something, while "actively encourage" implies supporting and promoting it.