What does tolerably mean?
Tolerably means to a degree that can be tolerated, typically indicating that something is fairly good, effective, or acceptable. Its force often lies in careful understatement: “tolerably well” communicates respectable but unexceptional performance, while “tolerably pleasant” suggests that a condition was good enough without being especially enjoyable. The word is especially common in formal writing, literary criticism, evaluations, and descriptions of conditions, where measured language is preferable to enthusiastic praise. It can also carry a faintly critical implication, as though the thing being described has passed a basic standard but falls short of a higher one. For example, a play might be called “tolerably entertaining” when the reviewer finds its humour amusing but limited. Tolerably is therefore useful when an assessment must be positive but qualified, allowing a speaker or writer to convey approval without overstating it.
adverbTo a degree that can be tolerated; fairly or passably. It can also convey that something is only just acceptable.
- To a degree that can be tolerated; fairly or passably.
"The results were tolerably good, though they did not meet our highest expectations."
"She performed the demanding passage tolerably well despite the difficult conditions."
"The weather remained tolerably pleasant, allowing the outdoor event to continue."
Tolerably is the quiet diplomat of qualification: it praises something without claiming that it is excellent.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tolerably
Tolerably was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to tolerable. Tolerable comes through Latin tolerabilis, a derivative of tolerare, meaning “to bear” or “to endure.” The same Latin root underlies tolerate, tolerance, and intolerant, giving these words a shared history of endurance or patient acceptance.
How tolerably is actually used
Tolerably is more characteristic of formal or literary English than of casual conversation. It can suggest genuine adequacy, but it may also imply that the praise is restrained or that something is merely acceptable.
Easily confused with tolerably
Tolerable is an adjective describing something that can be endured, whereas tolerably is an adverb indicating a tolerable degree.