Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Patient Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⌛
Add to dictionary

patient

[ˈpeɪʃənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A person receiving medical treatment.

Synonyms

case, client, in-patient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
patient

Refers to someone receiving medical treatment, generally in any medical setting. It is neutral and commonly used.

  • The doctor asked the patient about their symptoms.
  • The patient is recovering well after the surgery.
client

Refers to someone receiving professional services, such as legal, counseling, or business services. It is not specific to medical settings.

  • The attorney met with her client to discuss the lawsuit.
  • The therapist scheduled weekly sessions with her client.
case

Used to refer to a particular instance of a disease or medical condition. It can also refer to non-medical situations in legal or social work settings.

  • The hospital reported five new cases of the flu this week.
  • In legal terms, the lawyer reviewed the details of the case.
in-patient

Specifically denotes a patient who stays in the hospital while receiving treatment. This term is used in contrast to 'out-patient,' who receives treatment without staying overnight.

  • The in-patient will be monitored for 24 hours after the operation.
  • The hospital has a separate ward for in-patient care.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit.
  • The doctor examined the patient thoroughly before making a diagnosis.
Context #2 | Adjective

calm

Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.

Synonyms

calm, composed, tolerant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
patient

When someone is able to wait for something without becoming annoyed or anxious.

  • She was patient while waiting for the doctor to see her
  • He is patient when teaching his son to ride a bike
tolerant

When someone is accepting of differences or willing to endure certain behaviors or opinions.

  • She is very tolerant of her colleagues' different viewpoints
  • He shows a tolerant attitude towards cultural diversity
calm

When a person is not feeling or showing strong emotions, especially anger, joy, or excitement.

  • He stayed calm during the emergency
  • She remained calm despite the chaos around her
composed

When a person is in control of their feelings, especially in a stressful situation.

  • She appeared composed even during the intense meeting
  • Despite the bad news, he remained composed

Examples of usage

  • She remained patient while waiting for the test results.
  • It's important to be patient when teaching children new skills.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health Care

  • Patients play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing doctors with necessary information about their symptoms to guide treatment.
  • Different types of patients exist, including outpatients who visit for check-ups or treatments and inpatients who stay overnight in a hospital.

Psychology

  • Research shows that being a patient involves managing emotions, such as anxiety and fear, especially when facing medical treatments.
  • Patient participation in their own care can lead to better health outcomes, as engaging in decision-making helps them feel more empowered.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, patience is valued as a virtue, teaching that taking time can lead to better results, not just in healthcare but in life.
  • Songs and literature across various cultures often highlight the journey of patients, reflecting their struggles and resilience in the face of illness.

Pop Culture

  • The portrayal of patients in movies and TV often emphasizes their heroic struggles, leading society to show empathy toward real-life similar situations.
  • The term has also been popularized in various medical dramas, representing people's challenges and triumphs while navigating health issues.

Origin of 'patient'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'patiens,' which means 'suffering' or 'bearing,' reflecting the experience of people receiving care.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved to describe not only the person receiving treatment but persisted with the idea of enduring challenges.

The word 'patient' originated from the Latin word 'patientem' which means 'suffering, enduring'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include both the medical context of a person receiving treatment and the personality trait of being able to tolerate delays or suffering without becoming annoyed. The word has been used in various languages and cultures to describe both medical patients and individuals who exhibit patience as a virtue.

See also: pat, patent, Patrick, patsy, patten, patty.

Word Frequency Rank

At #704 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.