DictionarypatientCalm endurance
adjective

patient

Able to wait or endure difficulty calmly.

The patient teacher waits while the child works through the problem.

Etymology

Latin patiens comes from a verb meaning to suffer or endure. The adjective emphasizes enduring delay or difficulty without losing calm.

More examples

  • Please be patient while the computer restarts.
  • He remained patient through the long delay.
  • She is more patient with beginners than I am.

Forms

patient

patience noun — Ability to wait or endure calmly

Similar words

tolerant
Emphasizes accepting difficulty or difference rather than waiting calmly.
forbearing
Emphasizes restraining irritation with another person's behavior.