Impatiently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impatiently

[ɪmˈpeɪʃəntli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

waiting for something

In a way that shows irritation or restlessness from delay; eagerly but with irritation or restlessness; in an impatient manner.

Synonyms

agitatedly, eagerly, restlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impatiently

Used when someone is not willing to wait calmly and shows irritation or frustration.

  • She tapped her foot impatiently while waiting for the bus
  • He sighed impatiently as the meeting dragged on
restlessly

Describes a state of being unable to stay still or concentrate due to anxiety or discomfort.

  • He tossed and turned restlessly in bed all night
  • The audience shifted restlessly as the presentation went on
eagerly

Indicates a positive feeling of enthusiasm and anticipation, often associated with looking forward to something.

  • The children waited eagerly for the ice cream truck
  • She eagerly accepted the job offer
agitatedly

Represents a state of nervous excitement or worry, often with visible signs of distress.

  • She paced the room agitatedly, unable to calm down
  • He spoke agitatedly about the urgent need to take action

Examples of usage

  • She tapped her foot impatiently while waiting for the bus.
  • He impatiently glanced at his watch, wondering why she was late.
  • The children fidgeted impatiently as they waited for the party to start.
Context #2 | Adverb

doing something quickly

In a way that suggests wanting to do something without delay; hurriedly or quickly due to eagerness or frustration.

Synonyms

eagerly, hastily, urgently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impatiently

Use this word when someone or something cannot wait and shows signs of frustration or annoyance.

  • She tapped her foot impatiently while waiting for the bus.
  • He answered the phone impatiently, eager to end the call quickly.
hastily

This word describes actions done quickly and possibly without enough thought, often hurriedly and without proper care.

  • He hastily wrote down the notes, afraid he might forget them.
  • She hastily packed her bags and rushed to the airport.
urgently

Use this word when something requires immediate attention or action because it is very important or crucial.

  • The doctor was urgently called to the emergency room.
  • She urgently needed to speak with her manager about the critical issue.
eagerly

This word is used to describe a situation where someone is keen or enthusiastic about something, showing positive anticipation.

  • The children eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa Claus.
  • She eagerly started her new job, excited about the opportunities it offered.

Examples of usage

  • He impatiently tore open the package to see what was inside.
  • She impatiently scrolled through her emails, looking for an important message.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Emotional Psychology

  • Impatience often arises from anxiety or frustration, indicating a strong desire for immediate gratification.
  • Studies show that people who manage their impatience tend to have better outcomes in stressful situations.

Pop Culture

  • In popular music, impatience is a common theme, often expressing the urgency of love or missing someone.
  • Movies often depict impatient characters as comedic figures, showcasing exaggerated responses to delay.

Daily Life

  • Impatience can affect everyday activities, like waiting in line or during traffic jams, leading to stress.
  • Practicing patience can improve mental health and relationships, making waiting a bit easier.

Literature

  • Writers often use impatient characters to create tension and drive the plot forward in stories.
  • The feeling of impatience is captured in many poems and narratives, reflecting universal human experiences.

Origin of 'impatiently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin, where 'im-' means 'not' and 'patiens' means 'suffering' or 'enduring'.
  • English adopted 'impatient' in the late 14th century, reflecting a resistance to waiting.

The word 'impatiently' originates from the Middle English word 'impatient', which came from the Old French word 'impatient', based on the Latin word 'impatientem' (impatient). The prefix 'im-' conveys a negative sense, while 'patient' refers to the ability to endure. Over time, 'impatiently' has evolved to describe the state of being unwilling to wait or tolerate delay.


See also: impatient, patience, patiently, patients.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,205, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.