tolerance
tolerance Lexical Profile
tolerance Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The ability or willingness to accept the existence of opinions, beliefs, or behaviors that one dislikes or disagrees with.
"A healthy democracy relies on mutual respect and tolerance among citizens with differing viewpoints."
The capacity of an organism or tissue to endure continued subjection to an environmental condition, substance, or stress without adverse reaction.
"Desert succulents have evolved a high tolerance for prolonged drought and intense sunlight."
A diminution in the body's physiological response to a drug or substance after continued or repeated administration, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect.
"Patients taking the medication over several months may develop a tolerance and require an adjusted dosage."
An allowable amount of variation of a specified quantity, especially in the dimensions of a machine or part in engineering and manufacturing.
"Aerospace components must be machined to extremely tight tolerances to ensure safety and reliability."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Tolerance' and 'toleration' are closely related, but 'tolerance' usually refers to a personal attitude of openness and patience toward others, whereas 'toleration' more often denotes the formal or official practice of permitting something (especially in historical or religious contexts, such as the Act of Toleration).
• Rhymes for tolerance
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French 'tolerance', from Latin 'tolerantia' ('endurance, fortitude'), derived from the verb 'tolerare' ('to bear, endure, or sustain').