sufferance

USAGE SUMMARY

"sufferance" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used in the meaning of "toleration" or "endurance". For example, "I had to endure his presence with sufferance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two decades have passed since the downfall of most of the regimes where atheism was state policy and religion existed only on sufferance; and over that time, liberal democracy has advanced.

The Economist

He will probably survive these tests, but on sufferance.

The Economist

Migrants are allowed into big cities on sufferance.

The Economist

Their efforts mysteriously "unlock the gates of heaven" and the little nipper is duly cured.In this section Good ingredients, badly cooked Suffrage on sufferance?

The Economist

They still dream of a land where they hold sway from the Mediterranean to the Jordan river, with Jews and Christians living there, if they are lucky, on sufferance.

The Economist

More to the point, they are not sufficiently imaginative about endearing themselves to the governments on whose sufferance they operate.ENI is also deep in negotiations with Gazprom, Russia's state-controlled natural-gas monopolist.

The Economist

Though the pace may not be so pert, the curves sit well.In this section Good ingredients, badly cooked Suffrage on sufferance?

The Economist

On sufferance, it is true; beholden to various big beasts in his cabinet (see article); and vulnerable to bad news from by-elections and the like in the 12 months before a general election must be held.

The Economist

Nobody bothers to clear them away.For all its rulers' bombast, Abkhazia exists on Russian sufferance.

The Economist

Democratic change Bad losers A bear's dream Reprints Related items Politics in China: Suffrage on sufferance?Jun 24th 2004 China: Peaceful riseJun 24th 2004Lawyers, academics and environmentalists have been holding meetings and circulating petitions.

The Economist

And that is part of the thrill: "It's like horse-racing," says Mr Juda, "people only remember the bets that come in .In this section Good ingredients, badly cooked Suffrage on sufferance?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sufferance" to denote a situation where something is allowed to exist or continue, but is not necessarily welcomed or actively supported. For example, "Their presence was tolerated on sufferance."

Common error

Avoid using "sufferance" when a more positive term like "tolerance" or "acceptance" is appropriate. "Sufferance" often implies a begrudging or conditional allowance, so ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "sufferance" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the state or condition of enduring something unpleasant or being allowed to continue despite potential objections. Ludwig's examples show it frequently describes tenuous or conditional permission.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sufferance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that conveys the state of enduring something unpleasant or the act of allowing something to continue, often conditionally. According to Ludwig, it is primarily employed in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, implying a neutral register. While similar to "tolerance" and "acceptance", it carries a connotation of grudging permission, making it essential to consider the intended nuance when using this word. Ensure your writing aligns with this implication to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toleration

Focuses on allowing something to exist without interference, similar to granting permission.

acceptance

Highlights the act of receiving something, whether willingly or unwillingly.

permission

Emphasizes the act of explicitly allowing something.

acquiescence

Implies passively accepting something without protest.

tacit consent

Focuses on agreement or acceptance without explicit statement.

endurance

Highlights the act of bearing hardship or pain.

forbearance

Emphasizes patience and self-control in the face of provocation.

resignation

Suggests accepting something inevitable without resistance.

bearing

Focuses on carrying a burden or tolerating something.

under duress

Highlights the state of being forced to do something against one's will.

FAQs

How can I use "sufferance" in a sentence?

You can use "sufferance" to describe a situation where someone or something is allowed to continue or exist, but is not necessarily welcomed or actively supported. For example, "The refugees were allowed to stay in the country on sufferance."

What's the difference between "sufferance" and "tolerance"?

"Sufferance" often implies a begrudging or conditional allowance, suggesting that something is permitted but not necessarily welcomed. "Tolerance", on the other hand, suggests a more open-minded acceptance of something.

What can I say instead of "on sufferance"?

You can use alternatives like "by "permission"", "by "toleration"", or "with "acquiescence"" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "living on sufferance"?

Yes, the expression "living on sufferance" is used to describe someone existing or being allowed to remain in a place or situation only because others tolerate them, not because they have any inherent right or claim to be there.