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Word Central

patient

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

patient

Main Entry:: ¹pa·tient
Pronunciation:: \ˈpā-shənt\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English pacient, from Anglo-French, from Latin patient-, patiens, from present participle of pati to suffer; perhaps akin to Greek pēma suffering
Date:: 14th century

1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain3: not hasty or impetuous4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity5 a: able or willing to bear —used with of b: susceptible, admitting <patient of one interpretation>

— pa·tient·ly adverb

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