tolerant smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tolerant smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that conveys acceptance or understanding, often in response to a situation that might otherwise provoke annoyance or frustration. Example: "She greeted him with a tolerant smile, knowing that he often made the same mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Tolerant smile?

The New Yorker

Chris smiled a sad, tolerant smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Colonel, with a tolerant smile, uses this interlude to collect his thoughts.

The New Yorker

"You can't hide anything from me," he said, with an assured, tolerant smile.

The New Yorker

Big Bill gave a small nod and a restrained, tolerant smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

FOR years Americans have regarded European jazz with the same tolerant smile they reserve for Japanese baseball.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Behind the throng around the cart is a bunch of kids in leather jackets and cropped hair, looking on with tolerant smiles.

The New Yorker

Reluctance to follow this historically-ordained pattern is met by raisings of eyebrows from waiters, or, even worse, understanding and tolerant smiles that say, "Ah, these poor northern Europeans, with their meagre appetites both sexual and culinary".

The Guardian - Travel

The aim of the present study is to analyze the role of one of these molecules over-expressed in the blood of operationally tolerant patients, SMILE or TMTC3, a protein whose function is still unknown.

Plosone

Lying there gurgling and inert with eyes half shut and a tolerant if ticcy smile.

The New Yorker

I'm so desperate to change the situation that over the following months, I force myself to be warm, tolerant, minimise blame, smile – even when I want to yell my head off, like when he methodically picks the stuffing out of the dining-room chair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tolerant smile" when you want to convey an attitude of acceptance or understanding, particularly in situations where there might be a reason to be critical or impatient. It suggests a conscious effort to overlook minor flaws or annoyances.

Common error

Avoid using "tolerant smile" to imply approval of harmful or inappropriate actions. It should convey acceptance of minor imperfections, not endorsement of negative behavior. Ensure the context clarifies that tolerance does not equate to condoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tolerant smile" functions as an adjective-noun compound, where the adjective "tolerant" modifies the noun "smile". It describes a specific quality or characteristic of the smile, indicating the attitude or feeling behind it. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tolerant smile" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that conveys acceptance, understanding, or forbearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing expressions that reflect a conscious choice to overlook minor flaws or annoyances. Predominantly found in News & Media, its register remains neutral, fitting various contexts. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate a "tolerant smile" from condoning harmful behavior, ensuring the context clarifies that tolerance doesn't equate to approval. To further clarify its usage, consider alternatives like "patient smile" or "understanding smile" to add nuance. In summary, "tolerant smile" is a valuable phrase for describing an expression that reflects acceptance and understanding, which is evident in the wide range of real-world examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forgiving smile

Emphasizes the act of forgiving through the smile, often after an offense.

understanding smile

Suggests a smile that conveys comprehension and empathy.

tolerant grin

Similar to a tolerant smile, but can be broader and more expressive.

accepting smile

Highlights the notion of acceptance and embracing someone or something as they are.

patient smile

Highlights the quality of patience and composure in the smile, often in the face of delays or difficulties.

lax smile

Implies a relaxed or easygoing smile, lacking strictness or severity.

generous smile

Indicates a willingness to give or share kindness and warmth through the smile.

magnanimous smile

Suggests a smile that is forgiving or generous, especially towards someone less fortunate or deserving.

resilient smile

Emphasizes the ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a positive expression.

hardy smile

Suggests a smile that is strong and robust, able to withstand challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "tolerant smile" to describe someone's expression when they are understanding or accepting of a situation that might be annoying or frustrating. For example, "She gave a "tolerant smile" when he spilled his drink."

What's the difference between "tolerant smile" and an "indulgent smile"?

A "tolerant smile" suggests acceptance of something imperfect or mildly annoying, whereas an "indulgent smile" implies a permissive or lenient attitude, often towards someone's desires or whims. An "indulgent smile" might even imply a slight amusement.

What can I say instead of "tolerant smile"?

You can use alternatives like "patient smile", "understanding smile", or "forgiving smile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tolerant smiles" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tolerant smiles" is grammatically correct. It is simply the plural form of "tolerant smile", used when referring to multiple instances of tolerant smiling.