C1noun 2K

Tolerance

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈtɒlərəns/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈtɑːlərəns/"]/

Meaning of Tolerance

the quality of being willing to accept or tolerate somebody/something, especially opinions or behaviour that you may not agree with, or people who are not like you

In simple words: The ability to accept or respect differences in people or things.

Tolerance in a sentence

• Tolerance of different cultures is essential in a globalized world.
• The medication has a high tolerance, so it's safe to use in larger doses.
• Building tolerance towards spicy food takes time and patience.
• The engineer measured the tolerance levels allowed in the machine parts.
• Tolerance for ambiguity is a skill that helps in uncertain situations.
• Environmental laws increase tolerance for pollution to protect ecosystems.
• Tolerance towards coworkers' different opinions can improve teamwork.
• The patient's drug tolerance required an adjustment in dosage.

How to use Tolerance

Use 'tolerance' in discussions about diversity, acceptance, and social issues. It might feel formal in casual conversations but is essential in respectful discussions.

Grammar pattern

tolerance + of (somebody/something)

Memory hint

Think of a 'toll' on a road—'tolerance' can be the cost for accepting different views.

Related words

Collocations with Tolerance

• 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

Synonyms for Tolerance

• acceptance
• open-mindedness
• forbearance
• patient endurance

Opposites of Tolerance

• intolerance
• prejudice
• bias

Common mistakes with Tolerance

• Confused with 'tolerate' as a verb instead of a noun.
• Using 'tolerance' incorrectly as a verb.
• Mixing up its meaning with 'indifference'.

Frequently asked questions about Tolerance

What does Tolerance mean?

The ability to accept or respect differences in people or things.

What is the definition of Tolerance?

the quality of being willing to accept or tolerate somebody/something, especially opinions or behaviour that you may not agree with, or people who are not like you

How do you use Tolerance in a sentence?

Tolerance of different cultures is essential in a globalized world.

Can you give another example of Tolerance?

The medication has a high tolerance, so it's safe to use in larger doses.

What are synonyms for Tolerance?

Common alternatives include acceptance, open-mindedness, forbearance, patient endurance.

What is the opposite of Tolerance?

Opposite meanings include intolerance, prejudice, bias.

What words go with Tolerance?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Tolerance?

Confused with 'tolerate' as a verb instead of a noun. Using 'tolerance' incorrectly as a verb. Mixing up its meaning with 'indifference'.

How do you pronounce Tolerance?

US: /["/ˈtɑːlərəns/"]/, UK: /["/ˈtɒlərəns/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Tolerance?

Use 'tolerance' in discussions about diversity, acceptance, and social issues. It might feel formal in casual conversations but is essential in respectful discussions.

What CEFR level is Tolerance?

"Tolerance" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.