toleration
/ˌtɒləˈreɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [tˌɑlɚˈeʃən] /ˌtɑːləˈreɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [tˌɑlɚˈeʃən] /ˌtä-lə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce toleration (audio)/ (ame, mw)
toleration — noun
1. the attitude of letting other people keep their own beliefs, customs, or habits
the attitude of letting other people keep their own beliefs, customs, or habits without trying to stop them, even when you disapprove of those differences
The city has a long history of religious toleration among different faith groups.
collocation: religious toleration
Rachel believes that mutual toleration is essential for a peaceful and diverse society.
Nikhil's essay argued that toleration of different lifestyles strengthens a community.
Without toleration, people from very different backgrounds find it hard to live together.
- acceptance
a warmer, more positive attitude than toleration — acceptance implies approval, while toleration only implies non-interference
- forbearance
more formal and literary; emphasises patience and restraint under provocation
- sufferance
archaic or legal; being allowed something reluctantly, without active approval
- intolerance
refusal to allow others to hold different beliefs or follow different customs
文法句型
toleration + of [something/someone]
toleration + for [something/someone]
toleration + toward [something/someone]
用法筆記
This sense is most commonly used in discussions about society, culture, and politics. Distinguish from sense 5, which refers specifically to government policy rather than personal or social attitude.
常見錯誤
2. the ability to continue to stay calm or keep functioning when faced with somethi
the ability to continue to stay calm or keep functioning when faced with something unpleasant, annoying, or painful
The old man showed remarkable toleration of the constant noise from the building site.
collocation: toleration of [unpleasant condition]
Inês found that her toleration for hot weather grew after years in the tropics.
pattern: toleration for [condition]
Salma's toleration of her colleague's difficult habits impressed everyone in the office.
Years of training had increased Nia's toleration of physical pain during long races.
- endurance
focuses on physical or mental stamina over time; less about conscious choice
- patience
implies a calm, uncomplaining attitude, especially toward delay or difficulty
- resignation
a more passive form of acceptance, often suggesting reluctance or powerlessness
- impatience
inability to endure delay, difficulty, or annoyance calmly
文法句型
toleration + of [something unpleasant]
toleration + for [something unpleasant]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3: this sense applies to situations, discomfort, and behaviour, whereas sense 3 describes a biological reaction to a chemical substance. 'Tolerance' is more commonly used than 'toleration' for this meaning.
常見錯誤
3. a living organism's ability to resist the harmful effects of a drug, poison, or
a living organism's ability to resist the harmful effects of a drug, poison, or other substance after repeated exposure over time
The bacteria developed a dangerous toleration to the standard antibiotic treatment.
collocation: develop toleration to [substance]
Doctors worried that the patient's toleration of the painkiller meant it was no longer working.
Renata's study examined how garden plants acquire toleration to common herbicides over time.
Long-term use of the medication led to a gradual toleration that reduced its benefits.
- immunity
a stronger state where the body actively prevents harm; tolerance is a weaker, passive resistance
- resistance
often used for populations of organisms (e.g. antibiotic resistance in bacteria) rather than individuals
- sensitivity
increased reaction to a substance, the opposite of toleration
文法句型
toleration + to [substance]
develop toleration to [drug/poison]
用法筆記
In medical and scientific writing, 'tolerance' is far more common than 'toleration' for this sense. 'Toleration' here may sound slightly formal or dated. The preposition that follows is typically 'to', not 'of' or 'for'.
常見錯誤
4. the amount of difference from a standard measurement that is still considered ac
the amount of difference from a standard measurement that is still considered acceptable in manufacturing, construction, or technical work
The engineer checked that each part fell within the required toleration for size and shape.
pattern: within toleration
A toleration of three millimetres is allowed for the width of this steel support beam.
pattern: a toleration of [amount]
Dario kept the pressure within a tight toleration of one percent.
If the final measurement exceeds the specified toleration, the whole batch must be rejected.
文法句型
toleration + of [amount]
within + toleration
a + toleration + of [amount]
用法筆記
In technical contexts, 'tolerance' is the dominant form; 'toleration' for this sense is rare and considered formal or dated. Field-specific collocations include 'dimensional toleration', 'manufacturing toleration', and 'engineering toleration'.
5. a government's or institution's formal decision to allow people to hold and prac
a government's or institution's formal decision to allow people to hold and practise beliefs (especially religious beliefs) that differ from the officially recognised position
The Edict of Nantes granted a limited toleration to French Protestants in the sixteenth century.
pattern: grant toleration to [group]
Asher argued that legal toleration should extend to all minority belief systems in the country.
Full religious toleration was not achieved in some European nations until the late eighteenth century.
The constitution guarantees toleration of all faiths, though one religion remains officially favoured.
- recognition
a stronger term that implies official endorsement, not merely permission
- pluralism
a broader concept describing a society where multiple groups coexist with equal standing
- freedom of conscience
specifically religious or moral; a right rather than a permission granted by authority
- persecution
hostile treatment of people for their beliefs, the opposite of toleration
- suppression
active prevention of the expression of certain beliefs
文法句型
toleration + of [belief/practice]
grant + toleration + to [group]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 describes a personal or social attitude, while sense 5 describes a formal legal or political arrangement. This sense is commonly used in historical discussions of religious freedom and minority rights.