intolerant

[ in-tol-er-uhnt ]

adjective

1. not tolerating or respecting beliefs, opinions, usages, manners, etc., different from one's own, as in political or religious matters; bigoted.

   Synonyms: proscriptive, totalitarian, dictatorial, biased, prejudiced, narrow, illiberal

   Antonyms: liberal

2. unable or unwilling to tolerate or endure (usually followed by of ):

   intolerant of very hot weather.

3. unable to fully digest or absorb a specified food or drug (used postpositively or in combination):

   lactose intolerant; aspirin-intolerant.

noun

1. an intolerant person; bigot.

intolerant

/ ɪnˈtɒlərənt /

adjective

1. lacking respect for practices and beliefs other than one's own
2. postpositivefoll byof not able or willing to tolerate or endure

   intolerant of noise

Derived Forms

• inˈtolerance, noun
• inˈtolerantly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·toler·ant·ly adverb
• quasi-in·toler·ant adjective
• quasi-in·toler·ant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intolerant¹

1725–35; < Latin intolerant- (stem of intolerāns ) impatient. See in- ³, tolerant

Synonym Study

Intolerant, fanatical, bigoted refer to strongly illiberal attitudes. Intolerant refers to an active refusal to allow others to have or put into practice beliefs different from one's own: intolerant in politics; intolerant of other customs. Bigoted is to be so emotionally or subjectively attached to one's own belief as to be hostile to all others: a bigoted person. Fanatical applies to unreasonable or extreme action in maintaining one's beliefs and practices without necessary reference to others: a fanatical religious sect.

Example Sentences

Throw a dart anywhere on a world map and she’s there, or has been there, leading nations and governments that Americans often label as inferior or intolerant.

From Los Angeles Times

That same charm is on full display in her special “Seasoned Professional,” released in February, which seamlessly ties tender musings on motherhood to cautionary tales from the lactose intolerant.

From Los Angeles Times

A sweet song at any time, but it's currently resonating with so many people, even those who aren't gay or don't have intolerant parents because it captures the larger conflict tearing this country apart.

From Salon

This is the classic philosophical problem of tolerating the intolerant.

From Salon

But I’m lactose intolerant so I’m going to hit up Magpies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• biased
• bigoted
• dictatorial
• disdainful
• dogmatic
• fanatical
• fractious
• hateful
• indignant
• irritable
• racist
• xenophobic