The paper analyzes and interprets the idea of tolerance. The author focuses primarily on the issues of origin, the meaning and limits of tolerance. He emphasizes that the idea of tolerance can be meaningfully (and effectively) examined only in relation to intolerance. In this paper the attention is paid to the location and importance of tolerance in contemporary concepts of multiculturalism. Author believes that tolerance is part of the European system of cultural, religious and political values. According to him tolerance can play a constructive role only if it respects the current pluralism of cultures (including the pluralism of values) and support the intercultural dialogue. Tolerated can be except intolerance everything what does not devalue human dignity.