tolerably 🔊
Meaning of tolerably
To a degree that is acceptable or fairly good, but not excellent.
Key Difference
While 'tolerably' suggests something is just acceptable or moderately good, its synonyms may imply varying degrees of adequacy, comfort, or satisfaction.
Example of tolerably
- The hotel room was tolerably clean, though not spotless.
- She performed tolerably well in her exams, but knew she could do better.
Synonyms
adequately 🔊
Meaning of adequately
To a satisfactory or acceptable extent.
Key Difference
'Adequately' implies meeting basic requirements, while 'tolerably' suggests bare acceptability without enthusiasm.
Example of adequately
- The team was adequately prepared for the match, but lacked advanced strategies.
- The repairs were done adequately, though not perfectly.
passably 🔊
Meaning of passably
Just well enough to be acceptable.
Key Difference
'Passably' is similar to 'tolerably,' but may imply a slightly more neutral or indifferent tone.
Example of passably
- His French is passably good for casual conversation.
- The food was passably edible, though not memorable.
moderately 🔊
Meaning of moderately
To a certain extent; neither too much nor too little.
Key Difference
'Moderately' suggests a balanced degree, while 'tolerably' leans more toward minimal acceptability.
Example of moderately
- The hike was moderately challenging for experienced climbers.
- She was moderately pleased with the results.
fairly 🔊
Meaning of fairly
To a reasonable or moderately high degree.
Key Difference
'Fairly' implies a slightly more positive assessment than 'tolerably,' which is more neutral or grudging.
Example of fairly
- The movie was fairly entertaining, though not groundbreaking.
- He was fairly successful in his career.
sufficiently 🔊
Meaning of sufficiently
Enough to meet a need or requirement.
Key Difference
'Sufficiently' focuses on meeting a need, while 'tolerably' emphasizes bare acceptability.
Example of sufficiently
- The evidence was sufficiently strong to support the claim.
- She was sufficiently rested for the long journey ahead.
reasonably 🔊
Meaning of reasonably
To a sensible or appropriate degree.
Key Difference
'Reasonably' suggests a logical or justifiable level, whereas 'tolerably' implies mere acceptability.
Example of reasonably
- The prices were reasonably affordable for most customers.
- He behaved reasonably under the circumstances.
acceptably 🔊
Meaning of acceptably
In a manner that is good enough to be approved.
Key Difference
'Acceptably' is more formal and implies meeting standards, while 'tolerably' is more casual and subjective.
Example of acceptably
- The project was completed acceptably within the deadline.
- Her performance was acceptably professional.
satisfactorily 🔊
Meaning of satisfactorily
In a way that fulfills expectations or needs.
Key Difference
'Satisfactorily' implies meeting expectations fully, while 'tolerably' suggests doing just enough.
Example of satisfactorily
- The issue was resolved satisfactorily for all parties involved.
- The machine functioned satisfactorily after repairs.
bearably 🔊
Meaning of bearably
In a way that can be endured, though not pleasantly.
Key Difference
'Bearably' emphasizes endurance, while 'tolerably' is more general in describing acceptability.
Example of bearably
- The pain was bearably mild after taking medication.
- The heat was bearably uncomfortable with a fan.
Conclusion
- 'Tolerably' is best used when describing something that is just acceptable, without strong praise or criticism.
- 'Adequately' works when basic requirements are met, without excess.
- 'Passably' is ideal for situations where something is just good enough, without standing out.
- 'Moderately' should be used when describing a balanced, middle-ground state.
- 'Fairly' fits when something is reasonably good, though not exceptional.
- 'Sufficiently' is appropriate when the focus is on meeting a need or standard.
- 'Reasonably' is best for logical or justifiable levels of quality or performance.
- 'Acceptably' is more formal and implies meeting set standards.
- 'Satisfactorily' suggests full fulfillment of expectations.
- 'Bearably' is used when emphasizing endurance rather than quality.