tolerance
UK: ˈtɒlərəns | US: ˈtɑːlərəns
n. the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with
n. the capacity to endure continued subjection to something harmful or unpleasant
n. (engineering) the permissible variation in dimensions or performance of a machine or part
The word "tolerance" derives from the Latin tolerantia (endurance, patience), rooted in tolerare (to bear, endure). The morpheme toler- preserves the original Latin sense of enduring hardship or difference, while -ance (a noun-forming suffix from Old French) indicates a state or quality. The term evolved in Middle English to describe both physical endurance (e.g., pain) and social acceptance of diversity.
Religious tolerance is essential for a harmonious society.
The plant has a high tolerance for drought conditions.
Engineers must account for manufacturing tolerances in design.
Her tolerance of noise decreased after years of city living.
The drug builds up a tolerance in patients over time.