Tolerance Meaning
Tolerance Definition & Usage
The acceptance and respect of differing opinions, practices, or identities, especially those that differ from one’s own.
Examples
- "Her tolerance for different cultures made her an ideal candidate for the international relations role."
- "In a diverse society, tolerance is crucial to maintaining peace and harmony."
- "The town is known for its tolerance of all religious beliefs and practices."
- "The teacher encouraged tolerance in the classroom by promoting open discussions on different viewpoints."
- "Despite their differences, the two leaders showed great tolerance towards each other's policies."
The ability of a living organism to withstand exposure to a substance or condition without adverse effects.
Examples
- "His body developed a tolerance to the medication, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect."
- "Over time, people can develop a tolerance to caffeine, needing more to experience the same stimulating effects."
- "The plant's tolerance to drought made it a valuable species for the arid region."
- "Tolerance to certain allergens can decrease with repeated exposure."
- "Many people build a tolerance to cold temperatures after gradual acclimatization."
The permissible deviation from a standard or specification, particularly in the dimensions of manufactured parts.
Examples
- "The machine's tolerance level must be precisely controlled to ensure quality."
- "This part must be manufactured within a tolerance of 0.01mm for it to fit properly."
- "The engineer checked the tolerance of the metal sheets before starting the assembly."
- "Excessive tolerance in the system could lead to malfunction or inefficiency."
- "The tolerance on this product is very tight, meaning it requires highly accurate machinery."
Cultural Context
Tolerance has been a key concept in various cultural, political, and philosophical discussions. In the 20th and 21st centuries, tolerance is often linked to the values of multiculturalism and human rights. It is a principle embedded in democratic societies and plays a role in the politics of integration and equality. The notion of tolerance has shifted from mere passive acceptance to active engagement with diversity in modern discourse.
The Bridge of Tolerance
Story
The Bridge of Tolerance
In a bustling, multicultural city, the grand annual fair was a symbol of unity. Among the many booths and colorful decorations, two young women stood at a food stall, each representing her heritage. Maria, a Spanish immigrant, was selling traditional tapas, while Fatima, born and raised in the city, ran a stall offering Middle Eastern sweets. Although the two came from different backgrounds, they had one thing in common: their mutual respect for each other's culture. One day, a customer approached the stall, expressing dissatisfaction with the food's seasoning. 'I can't stand spicy food,' he complained, his voice harsh. Maria felt a tinge of annoyance but quickly remembered the principle she had learned from her mother: tolerance. Instead of arguing, she patiently explained the balance of flavors in her cuisine. Fatima, overhearing the conversation, smiled and added, 'Sometimes, it's just a matter of adjusting your palate.' The customer seemed to soften, and after a moment of reflection, he decided to give it another try. As the fair continued, Maria and Fatima encountered similar situations. Whether it was a disagreement over the fairness of a game, or a difference in opinion about how a booth should be decorated, they approached each challenge with tolerance. They listened to each other, respected each other's point of view, and in doing so, they created a successful partnership that was admired by everyone who visited their stalls. By the end of the fair, their friendship had grown stronger, and they realized that tolerance—whether towards differing opinions, foods, or cultures—was the key to building lasting connections. 'Tolerance is not just about putting up with things you don't like,' Maria said as they packed up. 'It's about embracing differences and learning from them.' Fatima nodded in agreement. 'It’s the bridge that connects us all.'