Acceptance vs Tolerance
Acceptance and Tolerance are two words that are often confused due to the appearing similarity in their meanings when strictly speaking, there is some difference between the two words. The word acceptance is used in the sense of ‘approval’ or ‘receipt’. On the other hand, the word tolerance is used in the sense of ‘forbearance’ or ‘patience’. This is the main difference between the two words. The word acceptance is used as a noun. On the other hand, the word tolerance is also used as a noun. The word tolerance is formed out of the verb ‘tolerate’, whereas the word acceptance is formed out of the verb ‘accept’.
What does Acceptance mean?
The word acceptance is used in the sense of ‘approval’ or ‘receipt’. Take a look at the following sentences.
The word of acceptance thrilled Francis.
He nodded his head with acceptance.
In both the sentences, the word acceptance is used in the sense of ‘approval.’ Hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘the word of approval thrilled Francis’ and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘he nodded his head with approval.’
According to the Oxford English dictionary, acceptance is ‘the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.’
Angela gave the letter of acceptance to her boss.
The meaning of the above sentence would be ‘Angela gave the letter of consent to her boss’.
What does Tolerance mean?
On the other hand, the word tolerance is used in the sense of ‘forbearance’ or ‘patience.’ Bearing that in mind, observe the two sentences given below.
Tolerance of all religions was practiced by the Emperor.
Lucy imbibed the quality of tolerance from her childhood.
In both the sentences, you can see that the word tolerance is used in the sense of ‘forbearance’. As a result, you can take the meaning of the first sentence as follows, ‘the Emperor practiced the idea that all religions should be accepted with patience.’ The meaning of the second sentence could be taken as ‘Lucy imbibed the quality of forbearance (patient self-control) from her childhood.’
It is important to note that the word tolerance is used in the formation of words such as ‘universal tolerance’ and ‘religious tolerance’.
It will be easy for you to understand tolerance if it is put as this. According to the Oxford English dictionary, tolerance is ‘the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.’
When it comes measurements too tolerance is used. According to the Oxford English dictionary, tolerance there means ‘an allowable amount of variation of a specified quantity, especially in the dimensions of a machine or part.’ In other words, tolerance is the acceptable limit.
Two parts of his machine were made to tolerances of three parts of an inch.
This sentence means from the measurement it can deviate + or – 1/3 inch. Tolerance here means acceptable limit.
What is the difference between Acceptance and Tolerance?
• The word acceptance is used in the sense of ‘approval’ or ‘receipt’.
• On the other hand, the word tolerance is used in the sense of ‘forbearance’ or ‘patience’.
• The word acceptance is used as a noun.
• On the other hand, the word tolerance is also used as a noun.
• The word tolerance is formed out of the verb ‘tolerate’, whereas the word acceptance is formed out of the verb ‘accept’.
• The word tolerance is used in the formation of words such as ‘universal tolerance’ and ‘religious tolerance’.
• Tolerance also means acceptable limit.
These are the differences between the two words, namely, acceptance and tolerance.