patient

adjective pa·tient \ 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

—

patiently

adverb

See patient defined for English-language learners

See patient defined for kids

Examples of patient in a Sentence

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
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.

Recent Examples of patient from the Web

One area expert in drugs and addiction says without an in-patient rehabilitation program, addicts are likely to relapse at a higher rate, a fact backed up by national research.

— Howard County Times, "Stronger actions to battle heroin [Editorial]," 23 Aug. 2017
Francois, who pleaded not guilty to defrauding TRICARE, paying kickbacks to patient recruiters, laundering money and obstructing justice, is one of 14 defendants implicated in the Atlantic Pharmacy case.

— jay weaver, miamiherald, "Pharmacist bought The Rock’s old mansion. Feds say money came from healthcare swindle," 9 Aug. 2017
Along with the usual growing pains associated with an acquisition, Verdugo Hills Hospital had spent 2014-15 negotiating a new contract with unionized nurses who complained about staffing shortages as well as unsafe conditions and patient care.

— jeff landa, Glendale News-Press, "After rocky start, USC-Verdugo Hills Hospital reports better health under new chief executive," 3 Aug. 2017
Unlike traditional managed care, which pays insurance companies a set rate for each patient, the fees would have gone directly to medical providers as an incentive to provide more efficient care and improve patient health.

— amy yurkanin, AL.com, "Alabama officials abandon Medicaid reform plan," 27 July 2017
BGE replacing gas lines Public Works Director Tim Whittie encouraged residents to remain patient as BGE's two-year project to replace underground gas lines continues.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Havre de Grace council makes exception, approves application for APG event in Hutchins Park tent," 20 July 2017
The app uses the Perinatal Grief Intensity Scale to calculate a patient’s response to 14 questions.

— valeria merino, The Courier-Journal, "New U of L app can help identify postpartum depression," 13 July 2017
For Dave, being a Southern gentleman means to be patient, respectful, humble, and professional.

— matt moore, Southern Living, "Egg Salad, Country Music, and The Masters," 11 July 2017
The Barkery is also a story of how patient research and smart marketing can grow a business.

— william thornton, AL.com, "The Barkery serves up treats for Montgomery's dogs (and a few cats)," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'patient.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

patient Synonyms

Synonyms

forbearing, long-suffering, stoic (or stoical), tolerant, uncomplaining

Antonyms

complaining, fed up, impatient, kvetching, kvetchy, protesting

Near Antonyms

bored, tired, weary; defiant, resistant; contrary, disobedient, insubordinate, intractable, rebellious, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unmanageable, unruly

patient

noun pa·tient \ ˈpā-shənt \

Definition of patient

1 a :an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment

cancer patients

psychiatric patients

b :the recipient of any of various personal services

2 :one that is acted upon

are agents as well as patients and observers in the world
—C. H. Whiteley

See patient defined for English-language learners

Examples of patient in a Sentence

Several patients were waiting to see the doctor.
the nurse asked the patient to change into a paper gown

Recent Examples of patient from the Web

Both cells from healthy and Parkinson’s patients were effective.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Brain cell replacement for Parkinson's boosted by monkey study," 30 Aug. 2017
The company, which helps patients get low-cost lab tests and other services, moved back to its regular location Tuesday from temporary quarters, with generator power but no air conditioning.

— Washington Post, "Waiting, watching: Business owners worry about Harvey damage," 30 Aug. 2017
Khazan: Have any patients transferred to other hospitals?

— olga khazan, The Atlantic, "The Houston Hospital Running Out of Food," 28 Aug. 2017
Proponents of glutathione in the United States say that’s why patients there see serious side effects, while those in America don’t.

— aneri pattani, New York Times, "A New Skin Lightening Procedure Is Short on Evidence," 28 Aug. 2017
And since most doctors only get 15 minutes with each patient, time needs to be used efficiently.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "5 Health Vitals Everyone Should Know," 28 Aug. 2017
The organs of Jamahri Sydnor, the 17-year-old who was fatally shot earlier this month in Washington D.C., have been donated to patients in need, the Washington Post writes.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "Jamahri Sydnor Was Killed 10 Days Before Heading To College. Now Her Organs Are Saving Lives.," 24 Aug. 2017
Never one to shy away from a difficult cause—her work with AIDS patients and the homeless in the 1980s and early '90s was also groundbreaking—

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Why Princess Diana's Fight Against Landmines Was So Groundbreaking," 18 Aug. 2017
Interestingly, both procedures [methotrexate and salpingostomy] are normally presented to patients exclusive of any moral considerations.

— joanna petrone, Longreads, "Pregnant, then Ruptured," 18 Aug. 2017

Origin and Etymology of patient

see ¹patient

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

patient Synonyms

Synonyms

case

Related Words

inpatient, outpatient; rehabilitant; sufferer, victim; convalescent, nursling

PATIENT Defined for English Language Learners

patient

adjective

Definition of patient for English Language Learners

: 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

patient

noun

Definition of patient for English Language Learners

: a person who receives medical care or treatment

PATIENT Defined for Kids

patient

adjective pa·tient \ ˈpā-shənt \

Definition of patient for Students

: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

—

patiently

adverb

patient

noun

Definition of patient for Students

: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

Learn More about patient

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patient

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PATIENT Defined for English Language Learners

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patient

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