First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
patience
noun pa·tience \ˈpā-shən(t)s\
Definition of PATIENCE
2
chiefly British : solitaire 2
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Examples of PATIENCE
- To be a biographer is a somewhat peculiar endeavor. It seems to me it requires not only the tact, patience, and thoroughness of a scholar but also the stamina of a horse. —Nancy Milford, Vanity Fair, August 2001
- … in this time of bioethical conundrums, it is good to know that patience, good will, and personal morality will untie far more intellectual knots than the disarray of rancor, conflict, and special interests … —Sherwin B. Nuland, New Republic, 13 Dec. 1999
- Mind-numbing delays and irrelevant search results are enough to try the patience of the most saintly Web surfers. —Neil Gross et al., Business Week, 14 June 1999
- After a while, their ideological certitudes tried the patience of their own peoples … —Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., New Yorker, 16 Nov. 1992
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Origin of PATIENCE
(see 1patient)
Related to PATIENCE
- Synonyms
- forbearance, long-suffering, sufferance, tolerance
- Antonyms
- impatience
PATIENCE Defined for Kids
patience
noun pa·tience \ˈpā-shəns\
Definition of PATIENCE for Kids
: the ability to remain calm when dealing with a difficult or annoying situation, task, or person <A person will need patience to do this work.>
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