thole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic, Literary, Regional (Scottish/Northern English), Technical (Nautical)
Quick answer
What does “thole” mean?
To endure or suffer (something) without complaint.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To endure or suffer (something) without complaint; to bear, tolerate.
In nautical contexts, a pin or peg set in the gunwale of a boat to serve as a fulcrum for an oar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb is more likely to be encountered in British English, particularly in Scottish or Northern English dialects and literature. The nautical noun is understood internationally but is a specialized term.
Connotations
In British (especially Scottish) usage, the verb can carry a connotation of grim, patient fortitude. In American English, it is virtually unknown outside of nautical or highly literary contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary American English. Slightly more recognizable, but still rare, in British English due to dialectal and literary preservation.
Grammar
How to Use “thole” in a Sentence
[Subject] thole [Direct Object] (e.g., He tholed the pain.)[Subject] thole [Gerund] (e.g., She couldn't thole waiting.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had to thole the biting wind on the moor.
- We cannae thole his rudeness any longer.
American English
- (Rare) In the poem, the hero must thole great sorrow.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival form)
American English
- (No standard adjectival form)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare; dialectal in parts of the UK.
Technical
The noun is used in boatbuilding and traditional rowing contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thole”
- Using it in modern, general contexts where 'endure' or 'tolerate' is expected.
- Pronouncing it to rhyme with 'hole' without the 'th' sound /θ/.
- Confusing the verb and noun forms in context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. The verb is archaic/dialectal, and the noun is a specialized nautical term.
It would sound very odd and archaic to most listeners. Use 'tolerate', 'put up with', or 'stand' instead.
A thole is a simple pin or peg. A rowlock (pronounced 'rollock') is often a U-shaped or ring-shaped pivot. 'Rowlock' is the more common general term.
In works by Scottish poets like Robert Burns, in older English literature, in regional speech in Scotland/Northern England, or in texts about traditional boat construction.
To endure or suffer (something) without complaint.
Thole is usually archaic, literary, regional (scottish/northern english), technical (nautical) in register.
Thole: in British English it is pronounced /θəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /θoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To thole and dol (archaic Scottish: to endure and share)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'THOLE' as 'THOroughly endure' or 'TOLL' (as in a difficult experience) you must bear.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDURANCE IS HOLDING ON (e.g., 'thole' is related to Old English 'þolian' meaning to suffer, bear, remain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'thole' most likely to be used today?