Patience Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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patience
[ˈpeɪʃ(ə)ns ]
Definitions
virtue
The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Synonyms
endurance, forbearance, perseverance, tolerance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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patience |
Patience is most often used to describe the ability to wait calmly for something without getting angry or upset. It is a positive and highly regarded trait in both personal and professional settings.
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tolerance |
Tolerance is the ability to accept or endure differences and viewpoints that one may disagree with. It is often used in social and cultural contexts.
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endurance |
Endurance refers to the ability to withstand hardship or stress over a long period. It is often used in physical or athletic contexts but can also refer to mental or emotional strength.
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perseverance |
Perseverance denotes a continued effort to achieve a goal despite difficulties or delays. It carries a positive connotation of determination and grit.
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forbearance |
Forbearance describes the ability to control oneself and tolerate a difficult situation without reacting strongly. It can be used in legal or financial contexts to describe the act of refraining from enforcing a right.
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Examples of usage
- She handled the situation with patience and grace.
- It requires a lot of patience to teach young children.
- Patience is a key quality for a successful leader.
medical
The ability to suppress restlessness or annoyance when faced with delay.
Synonyms
composure, poise, self-control.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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patience |
Suitable when enduring difficult situations without getting angry or upset.
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composure |
Used when someone remains calm and maintains control in stressful or unexpected situations.
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self-control |
Refers to the ability to regulate one's emotions, behavior, and desires, especially in challenging situations.
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poise |
Appropriate when referring to graceful and elegant bearing in a person, often under pressure or during public situations.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor advised him to have patience during the recovery process.
- Patience is crucial for a successful rehabilitation.
card games
A game for one player played with a deck of cards, the object of which is to use up all one's cards by forming particular arrangements and sequences.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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patience |
In British English, 'patience' is often used to refer to a single-player card game, commonly known as 'solitaire' in American English. The term is also generally used to describe the ability to wait for a long period without becoming annoyed or upset.
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solitaire |
In American English, 'solitaire' is used to refer to any single-player card game. It can also refer to a single gem or diamond set alone in a piece of jewelry.
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klondike |
This is a specific type of solitaire card game. It is perhaps the most well-known variation, frequently included as a default game on operating systems like Windows.
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Examples of usage
- She enjoys playing solitaire in her free time.
- Solitaire requires patience and strategy to win.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'patience' comes from the Latin root 'patientia', which means 'suffering' or 'enduring'.
- It has been used in English since the 14th century, reflecting a long history of valuing waiting and endurance.
- Philosophers throughout history have emphasized the importance of patience in achieving personal growth.
Psychology
- Studies show that individuals with better self-control are typically more patient, often leading to better life outcomes.
- Patience can be trained; techniques like mindfulness help individuals improve their patience over time.
- Research indicates that people who practice patience can experience lower stress levels and improved relationships.
Culture
- In many cultures, patience is viewed as a virtue, often linked to wisdom and maturity.
- Japanese culture emphasizes patience in crafts, as seen in the way traditional arts like tea ceremony require meticulous waiting and precision.
- Many religious traditions, from Buddhism to Christianity, include teachings about the value of being patient in the face of challenges.
Literature
- Famous literary works often reference patience, symbolizing resilience – such as Homer's 'Odyssey', where Odysseus demonstrates unwavering patience through his journey.
- Proverbs in various cultures often highlight patience, suggesting that 'good things come to those who wait' as a moral lesson.
- Authors like Jane Austen and Leo Tolstoy weave themes of patience in their character development and plot progression.
Science
- Research in behavioral science indicates that delayed gratification, a form of patience, is crucial for long-term success.
- Experiments with children reveal that those who can wait for a bigger reward tend to have better life outcomes later on.
- Neuroscience studies show that exercising patience activates specific brain regions linked to self-control and emotional regulation.
Origin of 'patience'
The word 'patience' originated from the Middle English word 'pacience', from Old French 'patience', from Latin 'patientia', from the verb 'pati' meaning 'to suffer'. The concept of patience as a virtue has been valued in various cultures and religions throughout history, emphasizing the importance of calm endurance in the face of difficulties.
See also: impatient, impatiently, patiently, patients.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,074 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 5071 enrolled
- 5072 challenged
- 5073 stuck
- 5074 patience
- 5075 borrowed
- 5076 indigenous
- 5077 organize
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