First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1patient
adjective pa·tient \ˈpā-shənt\
: able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people
: done in a careful way over a long period of time without hurrying
Full Definition of PATIENT
1
: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2
: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3
: not hasty or impetuous
4
: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
5
a : able or willing to bear —used with of b : susceptible, admitting <patient of one interpretation>
— pa·tient·ly adverb
See patient defined for English-language learners
See patient defined for kids
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Examples of PATIENT
- To pry apart violent Islamic radicals, the United States has to become knowledgeable about internal cleavages and be patient in exploiting them. —Samantha Power, New York Times Book Review, 29 July 2007
- I pack them into the compartment for a visit, pack till it's full far beyond capacity and weep with them, share with them my scanty bit of good fortune, tell them I care, tell them be patient, tell them I'm on their side … —John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, December 2003
- There's no sense being patient with people who make you wait, because they'll only make you wait longer the next time. —Andrew A. Rooney, And More by Andy Rooney, (1979) 1982
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Origin of PATIENT
Middle English pacient, from Anglo-French, from Latin patient-, patiens, from present participle of pati to suffer; perhaps akin to Greek pēma suffering
Related to PATIENT
- Synonyms
- forbearing, long-suffering, stoic (or stoical), tolerant, uncomplaining
- Antonyms
- complaining, fed up, impatient, kvetching, kvetchy, protesting
2patient
noun pa·tient \ˈpā-shənt\
: a person who receives medical care or treatment
Full Definition of PATIENT
1
a : an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment b : the recipient of any of various personal services
2
: one that is acted upon
See patient defined for English-language learners
Origin of PATIENT
(see 1patient)
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PATIENT
- Synonyms
- case
PATIENTLY Defined for Kids
1patient
adjective pa·tient \ˈpā-shənt\
Definition of PATIENT for Kids
: able to or showing the ability to remain calm when dealing with a difficult or annoying situation, task, or person <a patient response> <a patient teacher>
— pa·tient·ly adverb
2patient
noun
Definition of PATIENT for Kids
: a person under medical care or treatment
Medical Dictionary
patient
noun pa·tient \ˈpā-shənt\
Medical Definition of PATIENT
1
: a sick individual especially when awaiting or under the care and treatment of a physician or surgeon <the hospital is equipped to handle 500 patients>
2
: a client for medical service (as of a physician or dentist) <a good practice with a large number of patients>
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