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Patient: meaning, definitions and examples

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patient

 

[ˈpeɪʃənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A person receiving medical treatment.

Synonyms

case, client, in-patient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "patient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paciente

🇮🇳 मरीज

🇩🇪 Patient

🇮🇩 pasien

🇺🇦 пацієнт

🇵🇱 pacjent

🇯🇵 患者 (かんじゃ)

🇫🇷 patient

🇪🇸 paciente

🇹🇷 hasta

🇰🇷 환자 (환자)

🇸🇦 مريض

🇨🇿 pacient

🇸🇰 pacient

🇨🇳 病人 (bìngrén)

🇸🇮 bolnik

🇮🇸 sjúklingur

🇰🇿 науқас

🇬🇪 პაციენტი

🇦🇿 xəstə

🇲🇽 paciente

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.