Able to be endured or accepted, though not necessarily pleasant; moderately good or acceptable.
From Latin 'tolerabilis,' from 'tolerare' meaning 'to bear' or 'endure,' related to 'tollere' (to lift, carry). Entered English via Old French in the 15th century. The root concept involves 'lifting' or 'bearing up under' a burden or difficulty.
The word 'tolerable' occupies a unique semantic space as a lukewarm compliment - it suggests something is acceptable but barely so. Interestingly, its medical usage in 'drug tolerance' reflects the body's ability to 'bear' increasing amounts of a substance, maintaining the original 'endurance' meaning.
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