Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Disapprove
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to identify the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word “tolerate”. Antonyms are a very common area in competitive exams, and understanding them accurately helps you interpret attitudes and opinions in English passages, especially where people talk about what they accept or reject.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
“Tolerate” means to allow something to exist or happen without interference, even if you do not like it. It implies putting up with something, bearing it, or permitting it. Therefore, the opposite idea is to express disapproval or refusal, to not allow or accept that thing. Among the given options, “Disapprove” best expresses a clear negative reaction instead of silent acceptance.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the meaning of “tolerate”: to endure, to put up with, to allow without protest.Option A – “Accept”: often means to receive willingly or agree to; this is actually close in meaning to tolerate, not opposite.Option B – “Bear”: to endure or tolerate something; again a near synonym of tolerate.Option C – “Permit”: to allow to happen; also very similar to tolerate.Option D – “Disapprove”: to have a negative opinion of something and not agree with it; this goes against the idea of tolerant acceptance.Because the antonym must oppose the idea of allowing or putting up with something, “Disapprove” is the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences: “The teacher will not tolerate cheating in the exam.” If we say the opposite, it would be, “The teacher will disapprove of any cheating and act against it.” Here, “tolerate” versus “disapprove” clearly show opposite attitudes towards the same behaviour.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Accept” suggests welcoming or agreeing to something, so it is actually stronger in approval than merely tolerating. “Bear” is commonly used in phrases like “I cannot bear this noise”, which is very close to “I cannot tolerate this noise”. “Permit” is used in sentences like “Smoking is not permitted here”, again nearly the same as “not tolerated here”. None of these words express opposition; they are either similar or compatible with “tolerate”.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think “accept” is opposite to “tolerate” because tolerance may involve silent dislike, but in vocabulary questions the focus is on basic dictionary meanings. All of “accept”, “bear” and “permit” involve allowing or enduring something, so they are not true opposites. The only option that clearly shows refusal or negative judgement is “disapprove”.
Final Answer:
The antonym of “Tolerate” is Disapprove.
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