- To tolerate or endure someone or something annoying, unpleasant, or difficult without complaining or taking action.
Explanation
Origin
- The origin is debated. One theory connects it to posting (putting up) notices or lodging (putting up) guests, implying acceptance or accommodation.
- Another suggests put up as in 'raise' or 'offer' (like putting up a fight, but here implying offering tolerance instead of resistance). Adding with specifies the object of tolerance.
- Regardless, it signifies enduring something negative.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Hack (e.g., I can't hack it anymore)
- Stick (e.g., I can't stick him) less common
- Take (e.g., I can't take this anymore)
Vulgar/Emphatic (expressing strong intolerance):
- I'm not putting up with this shit.
- I can't fucking stand him/it.
Milder/Formal:
- Tolerate
- Endure
- Accept (though often implies less negativity)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to neutral.
- Very common in everyday conversation. Might use tolerate or endure in more formal contexts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood. Learners might initially find the combination of put up (which can mean erect or accommodate) with with confusing, but the meaning of tolerance is very common.
Examples
- I don't know how she puts up with his constant complaining.
- We had to put up with the construction noise all week.
- I'm not going to put up with this kind of behaviour any longer.
Dialogue
Greg: My neighbour plays loud music every single night.
Helen: Oh no, that sounds awful! How do you put up with that?
Greg: Honestly, I don't know how much longer I can. I've tried asking him politely, but it doesn't help.
Helen: Maybe it's time to make a formal complaint? You shouldn't have to put up with it.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Seriously impressed by anyone who commutes daily on that packed train line. Don't know how you put up with it! #commuterlife #rant
- Facebook Rant: I will NOT put up with rude customer service. Just had a terrible experience with [Company Name].
- Reddit Relationship Advice: My partner has this really annoying habit. Do I just have to put up with it, or should I say something? #relationships
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Sympathy: I know, it must be difficult. / Tell me about it. / I wouldn't put up with it either.
- Questioning: Why do you put up with it? / Have you tried talking to them?
- Defense (if defending the person/thing being put up with): Oh, he's not that bad. / It's only temporary.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone complains about having to put up with something:
- Express sympathy or agreement.
- Ask why they tolerate it: Why don't you say something? / Can you do anything about it?
- Offer advice or support.
If someone says they *won't* put up with something anymore:
- Ask what they plan to do: What are you going to do? / Good for you!
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually part of a complaint or discussion about a difficult situation.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on PUT, UP, and WITH. The object being tolerated often receives stress too.
- I can't PUT UP with THIS anymore. / How do you PUT UP with HIM?
Generation Differences
- Used widely by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.