Intolerant Meaning
/ɪnˈtɑləɹənt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjUnable or indisposed to tolerate, endure or bear.
adjUnable to digest food or be given substances of a certain composition without adverse effects.
Sentence Examples
He is intolerant of opposition.
Be intolerant only of intolerance.
Why didn't you tell me you were lactose intolerant?
CEFR Practice Quiz
The politician was known for being ____ of any opposing viewpoints in his speeches.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Some people are ____ of certain foods, which can cause them to feel very ill after eating.
Word Origin & History
First attested in the first half of the 18th century; either borrowed from French intolérant (early 17th century) or from its source, Latin intolerāns. By surface analysis, in- + tolerant (itself only attested from the 1780s).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"When our bodies no longer create the enzyme needed to break down lactose, we can become intolerant to it."
— 2013, Sarah Taylor, Vegetarian to Vegan: Give Up Dairy, Give Up Eggs for Good:
"The oak, as is well known, is a slow-growing, dicotyledonous tree of peculiar spreading habit, and very intolerant of shade."
— 1892, Harry Marshall Ward, The Oak: A Popular Introduction to Forest-botany:
"The powers of human bodies being limited and intolerant of excesses."
— 1751, John Arbuthnot, An Essay Concerning the Effects of Air on Human Bodies:
"Whilſt Congregationaliſts in England were complaining of the intolerant ſpirit of Epiſcopalians there"
— 1769, A collection of original papers relative to the History of the colony of Maſſachusets-bay, Boston, New England: Thomas and John Fleet, page 399:
"They ſhewed their intolerant ſpirit by demanding a ſtrict execution of the penal laws againſt Catholics"
— 1778, Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2nd edition, volume II, Edinburgh, page 1406:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The politician was known for being ____ of any opposing viewpoints in his speeches.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Some people are ____ of certain foods, which can cause them to feel very ill after eating.