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patient

/ˈpeɪʃənt/

When used as an adjective, 'patient' describes a person's character or behavior in a specific situation. It is often followed by the preposition 'with' when referring to the person or thing being tolerated. When used as a noun, 'patient' refers specifically to someone in a medical context. Note that it can be used for both people who are currently sick and those who are simply receiving a check-up.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Victoria is in a high-stakes board meeting while Mr. Sterling is at a luxury spa.

Mr. Sterling

The river doesn't rush the ocean, Victoria. Be patient.

Victoria

We're hemorrhaging cash. I can't exactly 'flow' with this deficit.

💡

Mr. Sterling uses a philosophical metaphor about a river to tell Victoria to be patient (adjective), while Victoria responds with the business idiom 'hemorrhaging cash', meaning losing large amounts of money rapidly, highlighting their clashing priorities.

Meanings

adjective

Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.

"You have to be patient with children when they are learning something new."

noun

A person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.

"The doctor is seeing a patient in the clinic right now."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error