What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lenience
Example
The judge showed lenience towards the defendant, giving them a lighter sentence. [lenience: noun]
Example
The teacher's lenience with the students allowed them to have more freedom in their projects. [lenience: noun]
tolerance
Example
We need to have tolerance for people who come from different backgrounds than us. [tolerance: noun]
Example
Her tolerance for spicy food is impressive. [tolerance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerance is more commonly used than lenience in everyday language. Tolerance is a widely recognized concept that promotes diversity and inclusivity, while lenience is a more specific term that is used in legal or disciplinary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lenience and tolerance?
Both lenience and tolerance can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, lenience may be perceived as more formal due to its association with legal or disciplinary contexts.
