bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.
forced to bear a tragic loss
suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.
suffering many insults
endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.
endured years of rejection
abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.
cannot abide their rudeness
tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.
refused to tolerate such treatment
stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.
unable to stand teasing
Example Sentences
He died instantly and did not suffer. He suffered a heart attack and died instantly. She suffered an injury during the game. We suffered a great deal during the war. I hate to see a child suffer. She suffered through another one of their long visits. The team suffered a defeat in the play-offs. Their relationship suffered because of her work. See More
Recent Examples on the WebMany railway workers suffer chronic health conditions, such as obesity and sleep apnea, according to union officials. Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 17 Sep. 2022 Should diversity supplant quality in surgeon performance, patient care would suffer. Richard Bosshardt, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 California’s multibillion-dollar agricultural industry could suffer. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 Millions of Americans now suffer from long COVID – life-altering symptoms that endure for months or even years after an initial infection. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2022 Anyone else who spreads lies about Nicki will suffer a similar fate. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2022 Pockets of the north suffer from especially high rates of violent crime. Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 12 Sep. 2022 Here, one of our titular cash register-jockeys will suffer a heart attack of his own, and decide it’s time to do something with his life. John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Industries sensitive to rate hikes — like the housing market and auto sales — will suffer. Gad Levanon For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, 8 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English sufferen, suffren, borrowed from Anglo-French suffrir, going back to Vulgar Latin *sufferīre, re-formation of Latin sufferre "to submit to, endure," from suf-, assimilated form of sub-sub- + ferre "to carry, bear" — more at bear entry 2