Put Up With vs. Tolerate

Attribute	Put Up With	Tolerate
Definition	Accept or endure (something unpleasant or disliked) without complaining.	Allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one dislikes or disagrees with) without interference.
Level of acceptance	Usually implies a higher level of discomfort or annoyance.	Implies a more neutral or passive acceptance.
Emotional response	May involve feelings of resignation or frustration.	May involve feelings of indifference or resignation.
Duration	May be temporary or ongoing.	Can be temporary or ongoing.

Definition

Put up with and tolerate are two phrases that are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation. However, upon closer examination, there are subtle differences in their meanings. Put up with typically implies a sense of enduring or tolerating something unpleasant or difficult without complaining. Tolerate, on the other hand, suggests a willingness to accept or allow something that is not necessarily liked or approved of.

Usage

Put up with is commonly used in situations where someone is dealing with a challenging or annoying circumstance but chooses to bear it without making a fuss. For example, "I have to put up with my noisy neighbors every night." Tolerate, on the other hand, is often used in a broader sense to indicate a general acceptance of something that may not be ideal. For instance, "I can tolerate spicy food, but I prefer milder flavors."

Emotional Connotations

Put up with tends to carry a connotation of resignation or endurance. It implies that the person is enduring something unpleasant or difficult without actively seeking to change the situation. Tolerate, on the other hand, suggests a more neutral stance. It indicates a willingness to accept something without necessarily feeling burdened by it. For example, "I can tolerate my coworker's quirks, but I wish they were more considerate."

Duration

Put up with often implies a temporary or short-term situation that the person is enduring for a specific period of time. It suggests that the person may eventually reach a breaking point or seek a resolution to the issue. Tolerate, on the other hand, can indicate a more long-term acceptance of a situation or behavior. It suggests a willingness to coexist with something over an extended period without necessarily seeking to change it.

Intensity

Put up with typically conveys a sense of discomfort or annoyance with the situation being endured. It suggests that the person is not happy about the circumstances but is choosing to tolerate them for the time being. Tolerate, on the other hand, may not carry the same level of negative emotion. It can indicate a more neutral acceptance of something without strong feelings of displeasure or annoyance.

Relationships

Put up with is often used in the context of relationships, whether personal or professional. It can indicate a willingness to overlook certain flaws or behaviors in order to maintain a relationship. Tolerate, on the other hand, may be used in a broader sense to indicate acceptance of differences or disagreements without necessarily compromising the relationship. For example, "I can put up with my partner's messy habits, but I won't tolerate disrespect."

Conclusion

While put up with and tolerate are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings and connotations. Put up with implies a sense of enduring or tolerating something unpleasant without complaining, while tolerate suggests a willingness to accept something that may not be ideal. Understanding these nuances can help us communicate more effectively and accurately convey our feelings and attitudes towards different situations.