How to pronounce "tolerate"

tolerate

Noun
American
/ˈtɑːləˌreɪt/

Syllable Breakdown

tol er ate

How natives say tolerate

British
/ˈtɒləˌreɪt/

Syllable Breakdown

tol er ate

How natives say tolerate

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'tol', with stress on this syllable.

  • Say 'er' as in 'her'.

  • End with 'ate', rhyming with 'late'.

Common Mistakes

  • to-le-rate

  • tal-er-ate

  • tall-er-ate

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'tol', slightly shorter 'o' as in 'lot'.

  • Say 'er' as in 'her'.

  • End with 'ate', like 'ate' in 'associate'.

common mistakes

  • to-le-rate

  • tal-er-ate

  • toll-er-ate

FAQ

How many syllables are in 'tolerate'?

'Tolerate' has three syllables.

Where is the stress in 'tolerate'?

The stress is on the first syllable: 'tol'.

Is the 'ate' in 'tolerate' pronounced like 'eight'?

Yes, it sounds like 'eight'.

Definition

tolerate

To accept something unpleasant.

Word Family

tolerance

/ˈtɑːlərəns/

noun

Ability to accept something

Example: Tolerance is important.

tolerable

/ˈtɑːlərəbl̩/

adjective

Able to be endured

Example: The pain was tolerable.

intolerant

/ɪnˈtɑːlərənt/

adjective

Not accepting of ideas or behavior

Example: He is intolerant of noise.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'Tolerate' vs. 'tolerance'

- Different stress and ending sound.

'Tolerate' vs. 'tolerable'

- 'Tolerate' ends with 'ate', 'tolerable' with 'able'.

'Tolerate' vs. 'intolerant'

- Different prefix and ending, stress shifts.

Pro Tips

Remember the Stress

Keep stress on the first syllable for clear pronunciation.

Focus on Endings

Pronounce the ending 'ate' clearly, like 'eight'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Tolerate

abroad

/əˈbrɔd/

accelerate

/əkˈsɛləˌreɪt/

accident

/ˈæksɪdənt/

accommodate

/əˈkɑːməˌdeɪt/

accompany

/əˈkʌmpəni/

accomplish

/əˈkɑːm.plɪʃ/

afford

/əˈfɔrd/

airline

/ˈɛrˌlaɪn/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

ability

agenda