Cool MateEmpathy vs Tolerance
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Empathy
Top 2,000 (common)
Tolerance
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
| Empathy | Tolerance | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɛmpəθi//🇺🇸 //ˈɛmpəθi// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtɒlərəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtɑːlərəns/"]/ |
| Meaning | Understanding how someone else feels. | The ability to accept or respect differences in people or things. |
| Example | Her empathy for the victims of the disaster was evident in her heartfelt speech. | Tolerance of different cultures is essential in a globalized world. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | show empathy, increase empathy, empathy skills, lack of empathy, cultivate empathy | 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 | indifference, insensitivity, apathy | intolerance, prejudice, bias |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'sympathy' - empathy is feeling with someone, while sympathy is feeling for someone., Sometimes used incorrectly as a verb - 'empathy' is a noun., Incorrectly assumed to mean only sadness - empathy can apply to any emotion. | Confused with 'tolerate' as a verb instead of a noun., Using 'tolerance' incorrectly as a verb., Mixing up its meaning with 'indifference'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'empathy' when discussing feelings and understanding others. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, especially in discussions about emotions or psychology. | Use 'tolerance' in discussions about diversity, acceptance, and social issues. It might feel formal in casual conversations but is essential in respectful discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Empathy vs Tolerance
What's the difference between Empathy and Tolerance?
Empathy: Understanding how someone else feels. Tolerance: The ability to accept or respect differences in people or things.
Can you show an example of each?
Empathy: Her empathy for the victims of the disaster was evident in her heartfelt speech. Tolerance: Tolerance of different cultures is essential in a globalized world.
Can I use Empathy and Tolerance interchangeably?
Not always. Empathy 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.