toleration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Mid-frequency (C1 level)Formal, academic, and legal
Quick answer
What does “toleration” mean?
The action or practice of allowing something that one dislikes or disagrees with to exist or occur without interference.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or practice of allowing something that one dislikes or disagrees with to exist or occur without interference.
The acceptance or permission of religious, cultural, or ideological differences within a society, often associated with historical movements for freedom and human rights.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely similar, but 'toleration' is slightly more common in British English in historical or formal contexts, while American English may prefer 'tolerance' in everyday speech.
Connotations
In both varieties, it conveys formal or institutional permission; in British English, it may have stronger historical ties to religious debates (e.g., Act of Toleration).
Frequency
More frequent in written texts, academic papers, and legal documents than in casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “toleration” in a Sentence
N + of + NP (e.g., toleration of differences)N + towards + NP (e.g., toleration towards others)N + in + NP (e.g., toleration in society)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toleration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must tolerate differing opinions in public debates.
- The government tolerates peaceful protests.
American English
- We have to tolerate diverse viewpoints in our community.
- The law tolerates minor infractions in some cases.
adverb
British English
- He listened tolerantly to the criticism during the meeting.
- She responded tolerantly to the unexpected changes.
American English
- They acted tolerantly towards the new regulations.
- The judge ruled tolerantly in the case.
adjective
British English
- She is very tolerant of noisy neighbours.
- A tolerant approach to cultural differences is essential.
American English
- He's tolerant about political disagreements.
- The school promotes a tolerant environment for all students.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in diversity and inclusion policies or corporate social responsibility reports.
Academic
Common in history, political science, sociology, and philosophy to discuss religious freedom, pluralism, and human rights.
Everyday
Infrequent; 'tolerance' is preferred for personal attitudes or general acceptance.
Technical
Used in legal or philosophical texts to denote specific doctrines or principles (e.g., in constitutional law).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toleration”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toleration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toleration”
- Using 'toleration' interchangeably with 'tolerance' (e.g., 'He has great toleration' should be 'He has great tolerance').
- Mispronouncing as /ˈtɒl.ə.reɪ.ʃən/ without the secondary stress.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Toleration' specifically denotes the act or practice of allowing something, often in a formal or institutional context, whereas 'tolerance' refers to the ability or willingness to accept or endure something, typically as a personal quality.
It is less common in everyday speech and more frequently found in academic, historical, or legal texts, where precision about actions or policies is required.
Yes, in some contexts, it can imply mere allowance without genuine acceptance or approval, suggesting a passive or grudging attitude rather than active endorsement.
In American English, it is pronounced as /ˌtɑː.ləˈreɪ.ʃən/, with stress on the third syllable and a long 'a' sound in the first syllable.
The action or practice of allowing something that one dislikes or disagrees with to exist or occur without interference.
Toleration is usually formal, academic, and legal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms; related phrase: 'a policy of toleration'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TOLERATION' as 'TOLERATE-ACTION' – it's the act of tolerating something.
Conceptual Metaphor
Toleration is a social shield or bridge that protects or connects diverse groups.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between 'toleration' and 'tolerance' in English usage?