Definition of tolerance

The word "tolerance" has its roots in the 14th-century Latin word "tolerare", which means "to bear" or "to endure". This Latin word is derived from "tol-, tol-" meaning "to lift" and "-erare" meaning "to carry". The term originally referred to the ability to bear or endure something, such as a physical burden or a difficult situation. In the 15th century, the word "tolerance" evolved to take on a more specific meaning, referring to the act of accepting or permitting the existence of something that might otherwise be disagreeable or unacceptable. This sense of tolerance as a virtue of accepting diversity, opinions, and behaviors was further refined in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the context of religious tolerance and human rights. Today, tolerance is widely recognized as a valuable trait in everyday life, politics, and society.