The word "tolerable" is spelled with three syllables and pronounced as /ˈtɑː.lər.ə.bəl/. The first syllable "to" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, the second syllable "le" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, and the third syllable "ra" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. The word means "able to be endured" or "bearable". It is commonly used in everyday language to describe something that is not ideal but can be accepted or tolerated.
Tolerable is an adjective that describes something or someone that is capable of being endured, accepted, or tolerated, usually in a satisfactory or acceptable manner. It refers to a situation, condition, or experience that is not overly unpleasant or unbearable.
When applied to a physical condition, "tolerable" implies that the discomfort or pain associated with it is within reasonable limits, allowing a person to continue with their daily activities without excessive difficulty or distress. For instance, a tolerable headache suggests that the pain is manageable and does not significantly impede one's ability to function.
In a broader sense, "tolerable" can also describe a favorable or satisfactory level of quality, behavior, or performance. It signifies that the subject is acceptable and suitable to a sufficient degree, even if it may not be outstanding or exceptional. For example, a tolerable movie might lack originality or exceptional performances but is still decent or satisfactory enough to be watched and enjoyed by some viewers.
Moreover, "tolerable" can be used to express a level of acceptance or accommodation of attitudes, beliefs, or opinions that may differ from one's own. It denotes the willingness to put up with or respect the views of others, even if there may be disagreements or differences of opinion.
Overall, "tolerable" implies a level of endurance, acceptance, or suitability that does not exceed reasonable limits, and is often used to connote a satisfactory or acceptable state or situation.
That may be borne or endured; supportable; moderately good or agreeable; not very excellent or pleasing; passable.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tolerable" has its origins in the Latin word "tolerabilis", which was derived from the verb "tolerare", meaning "to bear" or "to endure". The Latin term was then adopted into Old French as "tolerable", and it eventually entered Middle English with the same spelling and meaning.