Definition

1. Noun:
   • A permissible difference; allowing some freedom to move within limits: The amount by which a measurement or value can vary from a standard without causing failure.
   • Willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others: The attitude of accepting opinions or behaviors that are different from one's own.
   • The act of tolerating something: The action of allowing something to exist or happen, even if one disagrees with it.
   • A disposition to allow freedom of choice and behavior: An inclination to be permissive or lenient.
   • The power or capacity of an organism to tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions: The ability to endure or resist the effects of a harmful substance, stress, or condition.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineer specified a manufacturing tolerance of ±0.1 millimeters. (This refers to a permissible difference in measurement.)
  • Religious tolerance is a cornerstone of a democratic society. (This refers to respect for others' beliefs.)
  • Her tolerance of his constant lateness finally ran out. (This refers to the act of putting up with something.)
  • The teacher showed great tolerance for the students' creative interpretations. (This refers to a permissive disposition.)
  • This plant has a high tolerance for drought. (This refers to an organism's capacity to endure conditions.)

Advanced Usage

• "Zero tolerance": A policy of strict enforcement where no violations are allowed.
  • The school has a zero tolerance policy for bullying.
• "Tolerance level": The maximum amount or degree of something that can be accepted or endured.
  • The patient's tolerance level for the medication was very low.

Variants and Related Words

• Tolerate (verb): To allow or endure something.
  • She cannot tolerate loud noises.
• Tolerant (adjective): Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior one dislikes.
  • He is very tolerant of different viewpoints.
• Intolerance (noun): Unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.
  • Racial intolerance has no place in our community.

Synonyms

• Acceptance: The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.
• Forbearance: Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.
• Endurance: The ability to endure an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.
• Leeway: The amount of freedom to move or act that is available.

Related Phrases

• Build up a tolerance: To develop the ability to endure something over time.
  • He built up a tolerance to the antibiotic, so it became less effective.
• Low tolerance: A limited capacity to endure something.
  • She has a very low tolerance for spicy food.

Related Idioms

• Wear out one's welcome/tolerance: To stay somewhere or do something to the point where others become annoyed or lose patience.
  • His constant complaining is wearing out my tolerance.
• The limits of tolerance: The point beyond which one cannot accept or endure something.
  • Her rude behavior tested the limits of my tolerance.

Noun

1. a permissible difference; allowing some freedom to move within limits
2. willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others
3. the act of tolerating something
4. a disposition to allow freedom of choice and behavior
5. the power or capacity of an organism to tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions