Meaning & Definition
noun
The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
She showed great patience while waiting for the bus in the rain.
The ability to remain calm and not become annoyed when dealing with problems or difficult situations.
Teaching young children requires immense patience.
A level of endurance or perseverance in the face of challenging circumstances.
It takes patience to master a new skill.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French 'patience', from Latin 'patientia', from 'pati' meaning 'to suffer'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
patience is a virtue:
The quality of being patient is a moral excellence.
patience pays off:
Being patient can lead to positive outcomes.
have patience:
A request for someone to remain calm and wait.
Slang Meanings
Waiting without complaint
I've just got to have some patience during this traffic.
Putting up with annoyance
Her patience is running thin with all these interruptions.