Patient

/ˈpeɪ.ʃənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
The doctor examined the patient to determine the cause of her symptoms.
A person who is under medical care.
The nurses provided excellent care to the patients in the hospital.
adjective
Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
She remained patient while waiting for her appointment at the doctor's office.
Enduring without complaint; tolerant.
The patient gardener waited for the flowers to bloom, knowing that good things take time.

Etymology

From Latin 'patiens', present participle of 'patĭ', meaning 'to suffer'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Patient as a saint:
Describes someone who is very patient.
Have the patience of Job:
Having extreme patience, especially in difficult situations.
Patience is a virtue:
The ability to remain calm and wait for something without getting angry.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A calm and understanding person.
He's such a patient dude, nothing seems to faze him.
Someone who waits without complaint.
She is so patient, just sitting there without a word.