toleration

toleration

UK[ˌtɒləˈreɪʃən]US[ˌtɑːləˈreɪʃən]
n

the practice of allowing something that one does not necessarily agree with to exist or occur without interference.

n

the ability to endure or be exposed to something, especially a drug or environmental condition, without adverse effects.

Morpheme Breakdown

toler
ation
toler

endure

ation

noun suffix

Etymology

the word 'toleration' originates from the latin verb tolerare, meaning 'to bear, support, or endure'. this verb itself may be connected to the pie root telh₂-, meaning 'to lift, support, or weigh'. the suffix -ation was added in late latin to form nouns of action. the semantic journey moved from the physical sense of 'bearing a weight or hardship' to the more abstract social and political concept of 'enduring or allowing the existence of beliefs or practices one disagrees with', a meaning solidified during the early modern period's religious conflicts.

Analysis

Structure: toler (endure) + ation (noun suffix) toler (from latin tolerare, meaning 'to bear, endure'); ation (from latin -ationem, a suffix forming nouns of action or state).

Examples

religious toleration is a cornerstone of a pluralistic society.

the patient developed a toleration to the medication, requiring a higher dosage.

the government's policy of toleration allowed for a diversity of opinions to be expressed.