noun
tolerance
TAH-lur-uns/ˈtɑːlərəns/
Capacity to endure a condition without unacceptable effects.
The reader shows tolerance for the nearby violin playing despite the distraction.
Etymology
Latin tolerantia described bearing or enduring hardship. Applied to other people, that capacity became a willingness to put up with differences rather than judge them harshly.
In context
That's all right to have so many differences. Not just to recognize, but appreciate these differences. When we have these tolerance, patience, and recognition of differences
More examples
- Regular caffeine use can increase your tolerance to its effects.
- My low tolerance for pain makes dental work difficult.
- These crops differ in their tolerance to salt.
Forms
tolerance · tolerances
tolerate verb — To withstand something without unacceptable effects.
tolerant adjective — Able to withstand a particular condition.
Similar words
- resistance
- Emphasizes opposing harmful effects rather than enduring exposure.
- endurance
- Emphasizes continuing through prolonged strain, especially during physical effort.