English · Emotions & Feelings

intolerant

/ɪnˈtɒl.ər.ənt/

[/ɪnˈtɒl.ər.ənt/]

narrow, unaccepting

Intermediateadjective

Definition

Unwilling to accept ideas, people, or behaviour different from your own; also unable to bear something physically.

Example

He was intolerant of any opinion that challenged his own, which made conversations tense.

He was intolerant of any opinion that challenged his own, which made conversations tense.

Etymology

From Latin 'intolerans', from 'in-' (not) plus 'tolerans' (enduring), the present participle of 'tolerare'.

How & Where It’s Used

Used about attitudes toward people and ideas, and about bodily reactions (e.g. lactose intolerant).

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