tolerance

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   A willingness to accept people, opinions or ways of life that differ from your own without objecting.

   Grammar: Often followed by of or toward: tolerance of other views.

   Patterns

   • tolerance of something
   • tolerance toward someone

   The school teaches tolerance of different cultures.

   Her tolerance toward noisy neighbors is remarkable.

   A healthy democracy depends on tolerance for opposing views.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountable

   The ability to put up with something painful, unpleasant or difficult.

   Grammar: Often followed by for: a low tolerance for pain.

   Patterns

   • tolerance for something
   • tolerance to something

   He has a low tolerance for spicy food.

   Her tolerance for boredom is higher than mine.

   Runners build a tolerance to the heat over time.

3. 3noununcountablemedical

   The body's reduced response to a drug or substance after repeated use, so that larger amounts are needed.

   Grammar: Often followed by to: tolerance to a drug.

   Patterns

   • tolerance to something

   Patients can develop a tolerance to the medication within months.

   Caffeine tolerance explains why some people need several cups.

   The doctor raised the dose because of her tolerance to the drug.

4. 4nouncountable or uncountabletechnical

   The small amount by which a measurement or size may differ from the exact value and still be acceptable.

   Grammar: Used in engineering and manufacturing: within tolerance.

   Patterns

   • within tolerance
   • a tolerance of something

   The parts must be made to a tolerance of one millimeter.

   The machine is out of tolerance and needs adjusting.

   A tight tolerance makes the engine run smoothly.

Word forms

Common combinations

religious tolerance

The city is known for religious tolerance.

zero tolerance

The school has a zero tolerance policy on bullying.

low tolerance for

I have a low tolerance for rude behavior.

build up a tolerance

Drinkers can build up a tolerance to alcohol.

within tolerance

The measurements were within tolerance.

show tolerance

We must show tolerance toward each other.

Synonyms and how they differ

acceptance

Acceptance is warmer and means welcoming something, while tolerance may only mean putting up with it.

open-mindedness

Open-mindedness describes a readiness to consider new ideas, not merely to allow them.

endurance

Endurance is the ability to last through hardship, and is not about accepting other people's views.

forbearance

Forbearance is a formal word for patient self-control when provoked.

Opposites

Word family

tolerate verb

to accept or put up with something

tolerant adjective

willing to accept others

intolerance noun

unwillingness to accept differences

tolerable adjective

bearable, or fairly good

tolerantly adverb

in an accepting way

Commonly confused: tolerance or toleration?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “tolerance”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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