Tolerant: meaning, definitions and examples

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tolerant

 

[ˈtɒlərənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a social context

Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.

Synonyms

accepting, liberal, open-minded.

Examples of usage

  • He was tolerant of different points of view.
  • She was raised in a tolerant household.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a medical context

Able to endure or resist the action of a drug, toxin, or environmental condition without adverse effects.

Synonyms

immune, resistant, unaffected.

Examples of usage

  • Her body was tolerant to the medication.
  • The patient exhibited a high level of drug tolerance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'tolerans,' which means 'to bear' or 'to endure.'
  • In English, it has been used since the late 14th century to describe the act of allowing or enduring something.
  • The concept has evolved to include notions of acceptance and open-mindedness in modern usage.

Psychology

  • Studies show that higher levels of tolerance can lead to better mental health and lower levels of stress.
  • Being tolerant promotes social harmony, as it encourages understanding and reduces conflicts between diverse groups.
  • Research suggests that exposure to different cultures enhances tolerance and can help reduce prejudices.

Sociology

  • In societies with high levels of tolerance, individuals are more likely to engage in civic activities and community service.
  • Tolerant communities often have better economic outcomes, as they attract a diverse workforce and foster creativity.
  • Tolerance is a critical element in the development of democracy, as it allows for diverse opinions to coexist.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the limits of tolerance – should all beliefs and practices be tolerated, or are there boundaries?
  • The concept challenges us to consider how we balance personal beliefs with respect for others' rights to differing views.
  • Many ethical frameworks encourage tolerance as a virtue for promoting coexistence and peace.

Human Rights

  • Tolerance is recognized as a key principle in human rights documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • Activism for tolerance often focuses on issues like gender equality, racial harmony, and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Educational programs promoting tolerance aim to reduce hate speech and discrimination in schools and communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "tolerant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tolerante

🇮🇳 सहनशील

🇩🇪 tolerant

🇮🇩 toleran

🇺🇦 толерантний

🇵🇱 tolerancyjny

🇯🇵 寛容な (かんような)

🇫🇷 tolérant

🇪🇸 tolerante

🇹🇷 hoşgörülü

🇰🇷 관대한

🇸🇦 متسامح

🇨🇿 tolerantní

🇸🇰 tolerantný

🇨🇳 宽容的 (kuānyóng de)

🇸🇮 strpen

🇮🇸 umburðarlyndur

🇰🇿 төзімді

🇬🇪 ტოლერანტული

🇦🇿 dözümlü

🇲🇽 tolerante

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,829 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.