Tolerance vs. Toleration – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably, tolerance and toleration are distinct terms in English, with tolerance referring to the capacity or willingness to accept something, and toleration denoting the specific act or policy of allowing something to exist or continue. Both words are grammatically correct, but their appropriate use depends on whether you are describing a general disposition or a specific action.

Tolerance or Toleration – Which is Correct?

Both “tolerance” and “toleration” are correct words in American English, but they carry different nuances that are crucial for precise communication. The primary distinction lies in their scope and emphasis: tolerance typically describes an individual’s capacity, attitude, or disposition, while toleration refers to the act, practice, or policy of allowing or enduring something.

Think of it this way: tolerance is the inherent ability or the state of being open-minded or enduring. It can be a personal virtue, a societal value, or even a physiological capacity (e.g., drug tolerance). Toleration, on the other hand, is the active process or the specific instance of demonstrating that capacity. It often implies a deliberate decision or a formal policy to permit something that might otherwise be disapproved of or restricted.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The easiest trick to remember the difference is to focus on the suffix “-ation.” Words ending in “-ation” often denote an action, process, or state resulting from an action (e.g., creation, education, observation). Therefore, toleration specifically points to the act of tolerating or the policy of allowing. In contrast, tolerance refers to the underlying capacity or the general attitude.

Swap Test: If you can replace the word with “the act of allowing” or “the policy of enduring,” then “toleration” is likely the more precise choice. If you’re describing a characteristic, a capacity, or a general acceptance, “tolerance” is more fitting.

This method highlights the importance of considering surrounding information, much like understanding Content vs. Context in any communication.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Tolerance	Noun	The capacity or willingness to accept the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with; the ability to endure.	Developing a greater tolerance for diverse viewpoints is crucial for a harmonious society.
Toleration	Noun	The action of tolerating someone or something; the practice of permitting something that is disapproved of.	The government’s toleration of peaceful protests is a hallmark of democracy.

How to Use Tolerance

“Tolerance” is a broad term referring to the ability or willingness to accept the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with. It can also refer to the capacity to endure pain, hardship, or the effects of a drug or environmental condition. It describes a state of being, a characteristic, or a general capacity. Its tone can range from neutral to positive, emphasizing respect or endurance.

Example 1: The doctor increased the patient’s medication, hoping for better tolerance to the side effects.

Example 2: Cultural tolerance is essential for fostering understanding and peace among different communities.

Example 3: She showed great tolerance for her younger brother’s constant teasing, usually just smiling.

What are the different forms of Tolerance?

“Tolerance” is primarily a noun. Its forms are:

• Singular Noun: tolerance (e.g., religious tolerance)
• Plural Noun: tolerances (e.g., engineering tolerances refer to permissible limits of variation)

Related forms include the adjective “tolerant” (e.g., a tolerant person) and the verb “tolerate” (e.g., to tolerate dissent).

Etymology of the word Tolerance

The word “tolerance” comes from the Latin tolerantia, meaning “a bearing, supporting, enduring,” from tolerare, “to bear, endure, support, suffer.” It entered English in the late 14th century, initially referring to the capacity to endure or suffer. Its meaning expanded over time to include the capacity to allow or respect differences, particularly in religious or political views.

How to Use Toleration

“Toleration” specifically refers to the act, practice, or policy of tolerating. It implies a deliberate decision or a system of allowing something to exist or continue, even if it is not fully approved of. This word is often used in more formal contexts, particularly when discussing legal, political, or social policies. It emphasizes the performance of an action rather than a general disposition.

Example 1: The Edict of Nantes granted a degree of religious toleration to Protestants in France.

Example 2: The city council debated the toleration of street performers in the downtown area.

Example 3: His grudging toleration of their noisy games eventually wore thin, and he asked them to leave.

What are the different forms of Toleration?

“Toleration” is primarily a noun. Its forms are:

• Singular Noun: toleration (e.g., a policy of toleration)
• Plural Noun: tolerations (less common, but can refer to multiple instances or types of toleration, e.g., historical tolerations)

The root verb from which “toleration” is derived is “tolerate” (e.g., to tolerate opposing views).

Etymology of the word Toleration

“Toleration” also derives from the Latin tolerationem (nominative toleratio), meaning “a bearing, supporting, enduring.” This noun of action comes from the past participle stem of tolerare, “to bear, endure.” It entered English in the mid-15th century, directly referring to the act or policy of enduring or allowing, often with specific legal or political connotations concerning religious freedom.

Related Concepts

Understanding the distinction between “tolerance” and “toleration” is clarified by examining broader linguistic concepts related to abstract nouns and the implications of suffixes.

• Abstract Nouns: Both “tolerance” and “toleration” are abstract nouns, representing concepts, qualities, or states rather than concrete objects. However, “tolerance” leans more towards an inherent quality, while “toleration” leans towards a conceptualized action or policy.
• Suffixes for Action vs. State: The suffix “-ance” (as in tolerance) often forms nouns denoting a quality, state, or condition (e.g., importance, resistance). The suffix “-ation” (as in toleration) typically forms nouns denoting an action, process, or the result of an action (e.g., creation, observation). This difference in suffixes directly reflects the semantic distinction between the two words.

Examples from Media and Literature

• In John Locke’s “A Letter Concerning Toleration” (1689), he argues for the separation of church and state and advocates for governmental policies of religious toleration.
• The film “American History X” explores themes of racial hatred and the difficult journey towards promoting greater understanding and tolerance in society.
• A common phrase in discussions about free speech is “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” which encapsulates the principle of intellectual tolerance.
• News reports often discuss a country’s “toleration for dissent,” referring to the government’s official or unofficial policy towards opposition.
• Scientific literature frequently mentions “stress tolerance” in plants, referring to their capacity to endure adverse environmental conditions.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The engineer designed the bridge with a high _____ for extreme weather conditions.
2. The new law mandates a strict _____ of discrimination in the workplace.
3. Many philosophers argue that genuine _____ requires more than just passive acceptance.
4. Despite their differences, the two nations maintained a policy of mutual _____.
5. Her exceptional _____ for spicy food surprised everyone at the restaurant.

Answer Key

1. tolerance
2. toleration
3. tolerance
4. toleration
5. tolerance

Tolerance Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Acceptance	The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered or imposed.
Forbearance	Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.
Patience	The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
Open-mindedness	Willingness to consider new ideas; impartiality.
Endurance	The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.

Toleration Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Permittance	The action of permitting something.
Allowance	The action of allowing something; permission.
Condescension	An attitude of patronizing superiority; in some contexts, a reluctant or begrudging permission.
Forbearance	Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance, often implying a deliberate act of refraining from action.
Indulgence	The action or fact of indulging; a concession or allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “tolerance” and “toleration” be used interchangeably in any context?
No, while they are related, they are not interchangeable. “Tolerance” refers to a capacity or attitude, whereas “toleration” refers to a specific act or policy. Using them interchangeably can lead to a loss of precision in meaning.

Question 2: Is one word more formal than the other?
“Toleration” is generally considered more formal and is often found in academic, legal, or philosophical discourse, particularly when discussing specific policies or historical periods (e.g., “religious toleration”). “Tolerance” is more common in everyday language and can refer to a wider range of contexts, from personal virtues to scientific capacities.

Question 3: Does “tolerance” always imply a positive trait?
Not necessarily. While often associated with positive virtues like respect and open-mindedness, “tolerance” can also describe a neutral capacity (e.g., “tolerance to heat”) or even a grudging acceptance that falls short of full approval or affirmation.

Conclusion

The distinction between “tolerance” and “toleration” is subtle yet significant, reflecting the English language’s capacity for nuance. “Tolerance” describes a general capacity, an attitude, or a state of being, encompassing everything from a personal virtue to a physiological limit. “Toleration,” on the other hand, pinpoints the deliberate act, practice, or policy of allowing something to exist or continue, often despite disapproval. Mastering this difference enhances the precision and clarity of your communication. Pro Tip: Always consider whether you are describing a characteristic or an action; this will guide you to the correct choice and bolster your professional reputation as a meticulous communicator.