toleration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'toleration' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the act of accepting or allowing something (such as beliefs, behaviors, or opinions) that one may not necessarily agree with or approve of. Example: The country's constitution guarantees freedom of religion and toleration of all faiths.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast to weak resistance in Anglo-American countries, European and Latin American countries have witnessed an escalation of desperate forms of public resistance to austerity measures (riots, occupations, torching of luxury cars and homes of the rich, smashing expensive shops and hijacking food trucks), thus placing governments on notice that there is a limit to their toleration of austerity.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Cameron blames the toleration of such views among Muslims on multiculturalism, which in turn has led to the enduring terrorist threat against the UK from within.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chesterfield was wrong: "toleration, adoption and naturalisation" had not run their course.

The Guardian - Opinion

On April 3rd Mr Eich resigned, having spent little more than a week in the job.Conservatives have leapt at a chance to expose a double-standard: gay-rights activists demand toleration but dispense little of it themselves.

The Economist

Making religious conservatives feel persecuted, refusing them the dignity of toleration, is unnecessary and probably counterproductive.

The Economist

The other idea is a principle undergirding toleration: a certain modesty about the truth of one's beliefs and corresponding hesitancy to punish dissidents.

The Economist

It is a core foundation of toleration.

The Economist

But, as Ms Dudley Edwards says, toleration is putting up with things you don't like, and the official idea of toleration in Northern Ireland is to follow the Sinn Fein line of a kind of cultural apartheid.The Drumcree stand-off is not central to the fraught peace process, but it recurs as a kind of barometer of unionist public opinion.

The Economist

Peace may only come when religious toleration is widespread (highly unlikely in an atmosphere of violence) or when separate monoglot states emerge.

The Economist

Periods of repression alternated with periods of relative toleration, but repression was the norm.

The Economist

Though the need for toleration is perfectly general, because of America's divided history and his own family background, Mr Rawls felt its demands with unusual acuity.He was born to a wealthy, professional family from Maryland, a slave-owning border state that stayed in the Union during the civil war.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "toleration" to emphasize the acceptance of differing views or practices, especially in contexts of coexistence and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "toleration" when the intended meaning is active support or endorsement. "Toleration" implies acceptance despite disagreement, not necessarily approval.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "toleration" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the act, practice, or state of tolerating something. As per Ludwig AI, the word is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "toleration" functions as a noun that signifies acceptance or allowance, often in the context of differing opinions or behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. It is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, science, and formal business contexts. While synonyms such as "acceptance" and "forbearance" exist, "toleration" specifically emphasizes endurance despite disagreement. Remember, "toleration" differs from endorsement, and it's crucial for fostering peaceful coexistence in diverse environments. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian underscores its importance in contemporary discourse. Use "toleration" to promote understanding and avoid conflict, while recognizing its nuances and potential limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptance

Focuses on the act of willingly receiving or approving something.

open-mindedness

Highlights a willingness to consider different ideas or opinions.

forbearance

Implies patience and self-control in restraining from acting against something disliked.

understanding

Focuses on grasping the meaning or significance of something, often leading to acceptance.

leniency

Suggests mildness or permissiveness in judgment or punishment.

impartiality

Emphasizes fairness and objectivity in dealing with different viewpoints.

patience

Emphasizes the capacity to accept delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

permissiveness

Indicates a lack of restraint or control, often implying excessive allowance.

indulgence

Suggests allowing someone their desires or whims, often with a connotation of excess.

long-suffering

Suggests enduring hardship or provocation patiently and without complaint.

FAQs

How does "toleration" differ from "acceptance"?

"Toleration" implies allowing or enduring something despite disagreeing with it, whereas "acceptance" suggests a more positive reception or approval.

What are some synonyms for "toleration"?

Alternatives to "toleration" include "forbearance", "leniency", "permissiveness", and "open-mindedness" depending on the specific context.

Is "toleration" always a positive trait?

While generally positive, excessive "toleration" (akin to "indulgence" or "permissiveness") can sometimes lead to the acceptance of harmful behaviors or ideas.

In what contexts is "toleration" most important?

"Toleration" is crucial in diverse societies, promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting individual freedoms, especially in areas of religion, politics, and cultural expression. Without toleration, social unrest is possible.