Patiently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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patiently

[ˈpeɪʃəntli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

waiting without complaining

In a patient manner, without getting annoyed or frustrated, especially when waiting for a long time.

Synonyms

calmly, steadily, tolerantly.

Examples of usage

  • She waited patiently for her turn to speak.
  • He listened patiently as she explained the situation.
Context #2 | Adjective

showing tolerance or endurance

Having the ability to remain calm and not become annoyed, even in difficult or challenging situations.

Synonyms

enduring, forbearing, tolerant.

Examples of usage

  • He is a patient teacher, always willing to explain things clearly.
  • It requires a lot of patience to teach young children.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that practicing patience can lead to better emotional well-being and less stress.
  • People who can wait tend to have better problem-solving skills as they are not rushed into decisions.
  • Patience is linked to delayed gratification; being able to wait for a larger reward in the future provides greater satisfaction.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, being patient is considered a virtue and is often associated with wisdom and maturity.
  • Certain Eastern philosophies emphasize patience as a pathway to enlightenment and inner peace.
  • In literature, characters demonstrating patience often undergo significant development, symbolizing growth and understanding.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters like Job from the Bible exemplify patience through hardship, teaching readers about resilience.
  • Authors like Henry David Thoreau have written extensively about the value of being patient with nature and oneself.
  • Patience has been a central theme in many fables, highlighting moral lessons of waiting and the rewards it can bring.

Art

  • Many artists take a patient approach to their craft, often working for years to perfect their skills or a single piece.
  • The act of creating art itself can be a demonstration of patience, as seen in detailed works that require hours of dedication.
  • Patience is reflected in the slow process of traditional painting techniques, which often produce more authentic results.

Origin of 'patiently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'patiens', meaning suffering or enduring, showing that patience often involves dealing with discomfort.
  • It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and has evolved to signify calmness while waiting.
  • The root 'patire' in Latin translates to endure or suffer, linking patience with the ability to tolerate.

The word 'patiently' is derived from the Middle English word 'pacient', which came from the Old French 'pacient' and the Latin 'patientem' (nominative 'patiens'), meaning 'suffering, enduring'. The concept of patience has been valued in various cultures and philosophies as a virtue, emphasizing the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of challenges or delays.


See also: impatient, impatiently, patience, patients.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,034, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.