tolerable

The story

1. Latin · derived fromtolerābilis
2. Middle French · derived fromtolerable
3. Middle English · inherited fromtolerable
4. English todaytolerable

Inherited from Middle English tolerable, borrowed from Middle French tolerable, from Latin tolerābilis.

First known use, by meaning

• from the 15th c. Capable of being borne, tolerated or endured; bearable or endurable.
• from 1548 Moderate in degree; mediocre; passable, acceptable or so-so.
• from 1531 Such as to be tolerated or countenanced; permissible; allowable.