How to pronounce tolerable
Say it like TAH-luh-ruh-bul. Tolerable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tolerable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TAH
- luh
- ruh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tolerable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tolerable
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: TOL-uh-ruh-bul.
What does tolerable mean?
- Capable of being borne, tolerated or endured; bearable or endurable.
- Moderate in degree; mediocre; passable, acceptable or so-so.
- Such as to be tolerated or countenanced; permissible; allowable.
Where does tolerable come from?
Inherited from Middle English tolerable, borrowed from Middle French tolerable, from Latin tolerābilis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying tolerable
How do you pronounce tolerable?
Say TAH-luh-ruh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɑlərəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈtɒlərəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tolerable?
Tolerable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAH). Broken into parts: TAH · luh · ruh · bul.
Is tolerable pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈtɒlərəbəl/ (TOL-uh-ruh-bul).