patient
UK: ˈpeɪʃənt | US: ˈpeɪʃənt
n. 1. A person receiving medical treatment.
adj. 2. Able to tolerate delays or difficulties without becoming annoyed.
The word "patient" originates from the Latin patiens (present participle of pati, meaning "to suffer or endure"). The suffix -ent denotes a state or quality, forming adjectives or agent nouns. Over time, the term evolved to describe both someone enduring illness (noun) and the virtue of enduring hardship calmly (adjective). This dual meaning reflects the shared root of enduring physical or emotional challenges.
The doctor checked on her patient every morning.
She remained patient despite the long wait.
Teaching requires patience with students' progress.
The nurse comforted the anxious patient before surgery.
His patient attitude helped resolve the conflict peacefully.