Tole vs. Toll: What's the Difference?

Understanding the difference between tole and toll is crucial for clear communication. Tole is a less common term that can refer to a type of decorative painting on tin or metal, specifically known as tole painting, or a variant spelling for 'toll,' mostly seen in historical texts. 'Toll,' on the other hand, is predominantly used in modern English to refer to a charge payable for the permission to use a bridge or road, or metaphorically, to signify a cost or loss suffered.

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Tole vs. Toll

How do you use the word tole in a sentence?

The word tole is rarely used in contemporary language but may appear in discussions about art, particularly when mentioning the artistic technique of tole painting. In historical contexts, tole can also be encountered as an archaic spelling of 'toll.' It's important to understand the audience and context when using this term so as not to confuse it with the more common 'toll.'
Examples of tole in a sentence
  • She admired the intricately designed tole trays at the antique market.
  • The museum showcased a collection of 18th-century tole ware.
  • The will dictated that the tole charged for the use of the bridge be lifted.

How do you use the word toll in a sentence?

The word toll is commonly used to describe a fee for using infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, or to refer to the number of casualties or damage caused by an event. It aptly fits into contexts dealing with transportation, finance, or discussions of consequences. Using toll clearly conveys the concept of cost, both literal and figurative.
Examples of toll in a sentence
  • The toll for crossing the bridge rises every year, much to the frustration of commuters.
  • After the hurricane, the toll on the community was heartbreakingly apparent.
  • The constant stress began to take a toll on her health.

Tole and toll definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation

Tole definition:
Tole refers to a traditional form of decorative metal painting, usually performed on tin or similarly lightweight metals. The term can also be found as an archaic spelling for toll in historical documents.

Tole parts of speech:
  • In the context of art, tole is used as a noun: Tole painting requires a steady hand and meticulous detail.
  • Historically as a variant of 'toll,' tole is also used as a noun: The tole for the ferry was a silver coin.

Tole pronunciation:
Tole is pronounced similarly to 'toll,' as /toʊl/.

Toll definition:
Toll signifies a charge levied for the use of roads, bridges, or tunnels, or more abstractly, a cost exacted by circumstances or time.

Toll parts of speech:
  • As a noun, toll signifies the fee charged for the use of certain infrastructures: She paid the road toll at the booth before continuing her journey.
  • Metaphorically, toll is still a noun, indicating the extent of damage or suffering: The emotional toll of the tragedy was overwhelming for those affected.

Toll pronunciation:
Toll is pronounced /təʊl/ in British English and /toʊl/ in American English.

Tole vs. Toll in a nutshell

Though tole and toll may sound identical, they hold distinct meanings and uses. Tole relates to an artistic tradition or appears as an outdated spelling for 'toll,' which is more prevalent today. Toll conjures images of fees required for road usage or conveys the concept of loss and consequence. Awareness of the context is essential to employ each term correctly, avoiding confusion and ensuring precise communication.

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