Cool MatePatience vs Tolerance
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Patience
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Tolerance
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Most common: Patience
| Patience | Tolerance | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpeɪʃns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpeɪʃns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtɒlərəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtɑːlərəns/"]/ |
| Meaning | The ability to wait without getting upset. | The ability to accept or respect differences in people or things. |
| Example | Patience is key when learning a new language, as progress takes time. | Tolerance of different cultures is essential in a globalized world. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | endless, great, infinite, exercise, have, show, be exhausted, run out, snap, with patience, patience for, patience with, the patience of a saint, endless, great, infinite, exercise, have, show, be exhausted, run out, snap, with patience, patience for, patience with, the patience of a saint | great, political, racial, degree, level, have, show, learn, tolerance for, tolerance of, tolerance towards/toward, a lack of tolerance, high, low, decreased, level, have, develop, improve, level, tolerance for, tolerance to |
| Antonyms | impatience | intolerance, prejudice, bias |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'patients' (people receiving medical care), Using in a context where urgency is implied, Mispronouncing as 'pa-tience' instead of 'pay-shence' | Confused with 'tolerate' as a verb instead of a noun., Using 'tolerance' incorrectly as a verb., Mixing up its meaning with 'indifference'. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts to describe the quality of being able to tolerate delays or problems. Commonly appropriate in both personal and professional settings, but may seem less fitting in urgent or fast-paced situations. | Use 'tolerance' in discussions about diversity, acceptance, and social issues. It might feel formal in casual conversations but is essential in respectful discussions. |
Frequently asked questions: Patience vs Tolerance
What's the difference between Patience and Tolerance?
Patience: The ability to wait without getting upset. Tolerance: The ability to accept or respect differences in people or things.
Which is more common: Patience and Tolerance?
Patience is the most common in everyday English.
Are Patience and Tolerance the same CEFR level?
Patience: B2, Tolerance: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Patience and Tolerance interchangeably?
Not always. Patience and Tolerance are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.