patient
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1pa·tient
adjective \ˈpā-shənt\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 Examples of PATIENT
- I hate having to stand in long lines. I'm just not very patient.
- The teacher treated her students in a patient and understanding way.
- “Aren't you finished yet?” “Be patient. I'll be done soon.”
- Proofreading requires patient attention to detail.
- They put in years of patient labor on the project.
- 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
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PATIENT
- Synonyms
- forbearing, long-suffering, stoic (or stoical), tolerant, uncomplaining
- Antonyms
- complaining, fed up, impatient, kvetching, kvetchy, protesting
2pa·tient
noun \ˈpā-shənt\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
Examples of PATIENT
- Several patients were waiting to see the doctor.
- <the nurse asked the patient to change into a paper gown>
Origin of PATIENT
(see 1patient)
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PATIENT
- Synonyms
- case
pa·tient
noun \ˈpā-shənt\ (Medical Dictionary)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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