intolerance

USAGE SUMMARY

"intolerance" is a correct word in written English.
You can use it to describe an attitude or action, particularly when someone or something is not accepted because of their beliefs, behaviors, or characteristics. Example sentence: Her intolerance of non-religious people made her unwelcome at the dinner table.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The real effect of this speech will be to further increase the intolerance and the hostile reception that immigrants are facing from some sections of society".

The New York Times

The America of which Miller spoke had been created by men and women who hoped to escape from intolerance, bigotry and the dominion of one people over another.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is surprising that individuals at an institution of higher learning claiming to embrace the notion of academic and intellectual freedom would display intolerance and shout down a voice in the debate they simply don't agree with," Pyne said through a spokesman.

The Guardian

So do others who complain of intolerance displayed by the victors of 2011 and 2015.

The Guardian

Intolerance of dissent, be it political, religious or ideological, remains almost total.

The Guardian

As the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) accused Cameron of increasing intolerance, the prime minister said it was right to tackle immigration that was "badly out of control" under the last government.

The Guardian

Feelings are running high – on the side both of those rightfully frustrated that something as obvious as people being murdered in the cold light of day is met with equivocation; and those who feel justifiably aggrieved at what looks like tolerance of intolerance or, at worst, racism towards minorities.

The Guardian - Opinion

I jail, Ben's intolerance for thoughtless authority reared up almost immediately, following an arbitrary cell search.

The Guardian

But some observers believe President Bush's newly galvanised intolerance to terrorists, coupled with last month's arrest of three IRA suspects in Colombia, will alienate public opionion from Sinn Fein and increase pressure on republicans to decommission arms.

The Guardian

Every citizen is entitled to their rights, whether Christian or Muslim, without any religious, racial or tribal intolerance Ibrahim also called for Sudan to recognise itself as a country of multiple "races and religions" where every citizen should be entitled to their rights "whether Christian or Muslim, without any religious, racial or tribal intolerance".

The Guardian

Human Rights Watch (HRW) views the killings as part of a trend of violent intolerance towards freedom of religion and speech in Bangladesh.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "intolerance", be specific about the object of intolerance. For instance, specify whether you're referring to intolerance of religious views, political ideologies, or cultural practices to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid attributing "intolerance" to simplistic causes. "Intolerance" often stems from a complex interplay of social, economic, and historical factors. Acknowledge this complexity to offer a more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The word "intolerance" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being intolerant or lacking tolerance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing attitudes, actions, or systems characterized by a lack of acceptance or fairness. Examples show it used to describe political, religious, and social behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Opinion

19%

Politics

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "intolerance" functions as a noun, primarily used to identify and condemn a lack of acceptance. Ludwig AI affirms that "intolerance" is a valid English word to describe behaviors. The usage is very common and predominantly found in News & Media, Opinion, and Politics contexts. Key related phrases include "lack of acceptance", "prejudice", and "bigotry". When using "intolerance", be precise about its target, such as religious views or political ideologies. Avoid oversimplifying the causes, as it stems from various factors. "Intolerance" is a versatile term used across a range of contexts to describe negative behaviors and attitudes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bigotry

Emphasizes stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own.

lack of acceptance

Focuses on the absence of welcoming or approving attitudes.

xenophobia

Specifically refers to fear or dislike of foreigners or strangers.

narrow-mindedness

Emphasizes a limited perspective and unwillingness to consider different viewpoints.

prejudice

Highlights preconceived judgments or biases against individuals or groups.

illiberality

Highlights the lack of open-mindedness or tolerance for diverse opinions.

bias

Implies a leaning or inclination that prevents impartial judgment.

dogmatism

Focuses on the rigid adherence to beliefs without critical evaluation.

discrimination

Focuses on unfair treatment based on group affiliation.

chauvinism

Emphasizes excessive or prejudiced support for one's own group or cause.

FAQs

How is "intolerance" typically used in a sentence?

"Intolerance" is often used to describe a lack of acceptance or open-mindedness towards differing views, beliefs, or practices. For example, "The rise of extremism is fueled by "intolerance" of different cultures and religions." The opposite of "intolerance" is "tolerance".

What are some alternatives to the word "intolerance"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "intolerance" include "prejudice", "bigotry", "discrimination", "xenophobia", and "narrow-mindedness".

Is it grammatically correct to use "intolerance" as a noun?

Yes, "intolerance" is a noun that refers to the state of being intolerant or the quality of lacking tolerance. You can use it to describe attitudes, actions, or systems that demonstrate a lack of acceptance or fairness towards others.

What's the difference between "intolerance" and "discrimination"?

"Intolerance" is an attitude or feeling of not accepting something, while "discrimination" is the action that results from that attitude. You can have "intolerance" without acting on it through discrimination, but discrimination always stems from some form of underlying "intolerance".