tolerance
Meaning
the ability or willingness to accept or allow behaviour, beliefs, or opinions that one dislikes or disagrees with.
the capacity to endure continued subjection to something such as a drug or environmental conditions without adverse reaction.
Structure
Usage
the school promotes a culture of tolerance and respect for all.
some plants have a high tolerance for drought.
long-term use of the medication can lead to increased drug tolerance.
Etymology
the word 'tolerance' originates from the latin verb tolerare, which means 'to bear, endure, or put up with'. this verb itself is of uncertain origin, though it may be related to the concept of lifting or carrying a burden. the suffix -antia was added to form the latin noun tolerantia, denoting the state or quality of enduring. entering english via old french, the term evolved from the physical sense of withstanding hardship to its modern abstract meanings, encompassing both social acceptance of difference and biological or physical endurance.
Analysis
toler (from latin tolerare, meaning 'to bear, endure'); ance (a suffix forming nouns indicating a state, condition, or quality, from latin -antia).