tolerant of

USAGE SUMMARY

"tolerant of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's attitude or willingness to accept something, such as a different point of view or unfamiliar situation. For example, "He was tolerant of her beliefs, even though they were different from his own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How tolerant of him.

The New York Times

Democrats are more tolerant of bigger government.

The New York Times

Foreigners are just more tolerant of corruption.

The Economist

I was less tolerant of inefficiency.

The New York Times

He himself is tolerant of criticism.

The Economist

Most people are pretty tolerant of gays.

The Economist

I am not particularly tolerant of others.

The New York Times

"I'm tolerant of these things".

The New York Times - Sports

We remain tolerant of churches.

The Guardian

Most rhinos are very tolerant of it.

The New York Times - Science

It made me naturally tolerant of differences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tolerant of", ensure that the object of tolerance is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "tolerant of diverse opinions" rather than simply "tolerant".

Common error

Avoid using "tolerant of" to imply mere passive acceptance of something harmful. Tolerance implies understanding and acceptance, not indifference or enabling. For example, being "tolerant of" harmful behavior suggests condoning it, instead of actively addressing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tolerant of" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone or something that exhibits acceptance and forbearance towards others or different viewpoints. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tolerant of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's capacity to accept differences and exhibit forbearance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. As the examples illustrate, it's frequently employed in discussions about social issues, personal traits, and environmental factors. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that it implies genuine acceptance rather than passive indifference to harmful behaviors. Remember to clearly define what is being tolerated to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepting of

Replaces "tolerant" with "accepting", emphasizing a positive reception rather than mere endurance.

understanding of

Shifts the focus to comprehension and empathy, suggesting a deeper level of acceptance.

patient with

Highlights the aspect of forbearance and willingness to wait or endure difficulties.

open-minded towards

Emphasizes a willingness to consider different ideas and perspectives.

permissive toward

Suggests allowing certain behaviors or actions without strict enforcement of rules.

lenient with

Focuses on a mild or forgiving attitude in judgment or discipline.

forbearing with

Highlights the act of restraining oneself from reacting negatively to something.

magnanimous toward

Suggests a generous and forgiving attitude, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful.

indulgent of

Implies a willingness to allow someone to have or do what they want, especially if it is considered wrong or unwise.

able to put up with

Indicates a capacity to endure or tolerate something unpleasant or undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "tolerant of" in a sentence?

You can use "tolerant of" to describe someone's attitude towards different beliefs, behaviors, or situations. For example, "She is "tolerant of different cultures"" or "The city is "tolerant of new ideas"".

What are some alternatives to "tolerant of"?

Alternatives include "accepting of", "understanding of", "patient with", and "open-minded towards". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "tolerant of" or "tolerant to"?

"Tolerant of" is the correct and more commonly used preposition. While "tolerant to" might be understood, it's not standard English. Therefore, using "tolerant of" is always preferred.

What does it mean to be "tolerant of" something?

To be "tolerant of" something means to be accepting and patient with it, even if you don't necessarily agree with or like it. It implies a willingness to allow differences without judgment or prejudice.