What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forbearance
Example
His forbearance in the face of criticism was admirable. [forbearance: noun]
Example
She showed great forbearance when dealing with her difficult coworker. [forbearance: noun]
tolerance
Example
We need to have more tolerance for people who come from different backgrounds. [tolerance: noun]
Example
He has a high tolerance for spicy food. [tolerance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerance is more commonly used than forbearance in everyday language. Tolerance is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, while forbearance is less common and tends to be used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forbearance and tolerance?
While forbearance is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, tolerance can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word.
