endure
B2Formal to neutral.
Definition
Meaning
To suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently, or to remain in existence for a long time.
To tolerate, withstand hardship, or to last, continue in existence; to bear.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries connotations of resilience, fortitude, and passive suffering or acceptance over a prolonged period. Often implies a degree of hardship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or grammar.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or formal in everyday American speech; equally at home in British English across registers.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
endure somethingendure doing somethingendure that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “endure the test of time”
- “what can't be cured must be endured”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The company had to endure several quarters of losses before returning to profitability.'
Academic
'These ancient traditions have endured for millennia despite social upheavals.'
Everyday
'I can't endure this noise any longer.'
Technical
'The material must endure extreme temperatures without degrading.' (Engineering)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She had to endure a three-hour delay at the airport.
- These medieval buildings have endured for centuries.
American English
- He endured tremendous pain after the surgery.
- Our friendship has endured many challenges.
adverb
British English
- He waited enduringly for her return.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- She smiled enduringly despite the pain.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- The enduring appeal of Shakespeare is remarkable.
- She showed enduring patience.
American English
- His enduring legacy is one of peace.
- They have an enduring love for the game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby cannot endure loud noises.
- Some plants cannot endure the cold.
- He had to endure a long and boring lecture.
- Their marriage endured for fifty years.
- The soldiers endured extreme conditions during the expedition.
- Ancient customs sometimes endure in remote villages.
- The legal system must endure public scrutiny while upholding justice.
- Few works of popular culture endure as canonical art.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DURe (hard) INside (IN) you that helps you ENDURE tough situations. END + DURE (like durable) = to last to the end.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY/ENDURE IS TO CARRY A HEAVY BURDEN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'выносить' in the sense of 'to carry out' (e.g., вынести мусор). 'Endure' is closer to 'выдерживать', 'терпеть', 'переносить' (hardship).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I can't endure to listen to this.' Correct: 'I can't endure listening to this.' / 'I can't endure this noise.'
Practice
Quiz
Which word is NOT a strong synonym for 'endure' in the context of suffering?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to formal. In casual conversation, people might use 'put up with' or 'stand' instead.
'Endure' often implies a more severe, prolonged hardship requiring patience or resilience. 'Tolerate' can be for milder, shorter-term annoyances.
Yes, but typically in the sense of 'lasting' (e.g., 'an enduring love', 'a tradition that endures'). The core sense of suffering is not positive.
The main noun is 'endurance'. 'Endurement' is obsolete.