What does intolerantly mean?
“Intolerantly” is an adverb describing behavior that is unwilling to accept, tolerate, or allow something. It commonly characterizes a person’s response to disagreement, criticism, difference, or a proposed change: an audience may react intolerantly to a controversial remark, or a manager may respond intolerantly to an employee’s concern. The word has a strong negative connotation, suggesting dogmatism, impatience, inflexibility, or hostility rather than merely holding a firm position. It is formed from the adjective “intolerant,” which in turn comes from “tolerate,” meaning to bear or endure something. In ordinary use, “intolerantly” can describe either a genuinely hostile reaction or, more mildly, an overly rigid refusal to consider alternatives. Its strength makes it most effective when the writer wants to emphasize an unmistakably unaccommodating attitude.
adverbIn a way that shows unwillingness to accept, tolerate, or allow something.
- In a manner characterized by unwillingness to accept, tolerate, or allow something.
"She responded intolerantly to suggestions that the policy should be revised."
"The committee rejected the proposal intolerantly."
"He reacted intolerantly when a colleague questioned his conclusions."
Sometimes the fastest way to end a conversation is to respond intolerantly—though it rarely improves the discussion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intolerantly come from?
“Intolerantly” is an adverb formed from “intolerant,” meaning unwilling to tolerate or accept. “Intolerant” is related to “tolerate” and “tolerance,” words derived from Latin tolerare, “to bear” or “endure.” The prefix in- in this development has a negative or opposing force, producing the sense of refusing to endure or accept what is unwelcome.
How intolerantly is actually used
Usually negative and often describes a reaction, attitude, or manner that is perceived as rigid, hostile, or unyielding.
Easily confused with intolerantly
“Intolerable” describes something that cannot be tolerated, while “intolerantly” describes a harsh or unyielding manner.