What does toleration mean?
Toleration is a formal noun meaning the act or policy of allowing something to exist without interference, punishment, or active opposition. It commonly describes religious toleration, as in a society where people of different faiths may worship, teach, and live according to their convictions without persecution. In more general use, it can refer to a government's willingness to permit political expression, cultural difference, or minority practices. The word is related to, but not interchangeable with, tolerance: toleration often emphasizes an established practice or policy, while tolerance more often describes an individual attitude of acceptance or forbearance. Toleration can carry a positive connotation of respect for minority views, but it may also sound institutional or merely permissive, without implying approval. The term is especially useful when discussing the balance between allowing disagreement and actively supporting it. It also recalls a long history of religious and political debate in which tolerance was treated as a civic principle rather than merely a personal preference.
nounThe act or practice of allowing something to exist without interference, punishment, or active opposition. It is especially used for a social or governmental policy that permits different religious beliefs, practices, or opinions.
- The act or practice of allowing something to exist without interference or active opposition.
- A social, legal, or governmental policy permitting different religious, political, or cultural beliefs and practices.
"Religious toleration allowed communities of different faiths to live side by side without persecution."
"The new policy was intended to promote greater toleration of cultural difference."
"Religious toleration enabled minority communities to worship freely while remaining protected by law."
The plural is uncommon and is chiefly used when separate instances or forms of toleration are being counted.
"The survey compared several historical tolerations of minority faiths."
Toleration became a revolutionary idea: you can disagree with a belief without making its holders disappear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does toleration come from?
The word entered Middle English from Old French toleration, which continued Latin toleratio, a noun derived from tolerare, “to bear, endure, or tolerate.” Its English usage developed from the idea of enduring or permitting something to emphasize the practice or policy of allowing differing beliefs to exist without interference. Religious toleration became especially prominent in English political and legal discussion.
How toleration is actually used
The word is formal and often institutional in tone. It normally implies permission or acceptance without active hostility, but it does not necessarily imply approval, enthusiasm, or active support for what is being tolerated.
Easily confused with toleration
Toleration usually names an act or policy of allowing something to exist, whereas tolerance more often describes an individual's attitude of acceptance or forbearance.