toleration

[ tol-uh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of tolerating, especially of what is not actually approved; forbearance:

   to show toleration toward the protesters.

2. permission by law or government of the exercise of religions other than an established religion; noninterference in matters of private faith and worship.

toleration

/ ˌtɒləˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or practice of tolerating
2. freedom to hold religious opinions that differ from the established or prescribed religion of a country

Derived Forms

• ˌtolerˈationism, noun
• ˌtolerˈationist, noun

Other Words From

• toler·ation·ism noun
• toler·ation·ist noun
• nontol·er·ation noun
• super·toler·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toleration¹

First recorded in 1510–20, toleration is from the Latin word tolerātiōn- (stem of tolerātiō ). See tolerate, -ion

Synonym Study

See tolerance.

Example Sentences

His famous letter on religious toleration argues that the state must never impose a religion on the people.

From Salon

But the country operates a policy of toleration towards the sale or possession of small amounts of some drugs.

From BBC

In the religious realm, it came to stand for toleration and a removal of sectarian passions from public life.

From Salon

While it is illegal to sell or possess drugs, the Netherlands has a "toleration policy" that allows coffee shops to sell cannabis under strict conditions.

From BBC

But trans women have a degree of toleration because of cultural traditions.

From Seattle Times