Word: intolerable

Associations

The word "intolerable" means something that is impossible to accept or endure. It describes situations or behaviors that cause a lot of discomfort or frustration.

• If someone is in an intolerable situation, they might decide to leave. This implies that they can no longer bear it.
• A partner's intolerable behavior in a relationship can lead to a breakup, as it becomes unbearable for the other person.
• Intolerable heat during summer can force people to seek air conditioning or go to cooler places because they can't stand being outside.

The synonym for "intolerable" is "unbearable," but "unbearable" often implies more of a physical or emotional pain, while "intolerable" can also be used in moral or ethical contexts.

Substitution

Instead of "intolerable," you could use:

• "unacceptable" (strongly negative actions or behaviors)
• "intolerant" (usually refers more to perspectives or attitudes)
• "unendurable" (focuses on the aspect of not being able to withstand something) Each alternative may carry slightly different meanings, but they all point to a situation that is hard to handle.

Deconstruction

The word "intolerable" breaks down into:

• The prefix "in-" meaning "not"
• The root "toler" which comes from the Latin "tolerare," meaning "to bear" or "to endure"
• The suffix "-able," which indicates that something can be done. The word originates from the Latin roots, meaning 'not able to be borne'.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you faced an intolerable situation? What did you do about it?
• How does the idea of "intolerable" apply in different areas, like work, relationships, or social issues?
• In what contexts do you think people use "intolerable" in discussions or debates? How does it change the tone of the conversation?