“Patient” is an adjective that describes a person's ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Tolerant
- Meaning: Having the ability to endure something unpleasant or annoying without complaining or becoming angry. For example, “She is very tolerant of her neighbor's loud music.”
- Usage difference: “Tolerant” emphasizes the acceptance of something that might otherwise be considered a nuisance or an irritation. In comparison to “patient,” it has a broader focus on the willingness to endure a variety of situations, not just waiting. For example, a person can be tolerant of different opinions, behaviors, or conditions, while “patient” is more specifically about the ability to wait calmly.
2. Forbearing
- Meaning: Patient and restrained, especially when faced with difficulties or annoyances. For example, “His forbearing nature allowed him to handle the criticism without getting defensive.”
- Usage difference: “Forbearing” implies a sense of self - control and a deliberate choice to remain calm. It is a more formal term than “patient” and often conveys a moral or ethical dimension, such as the ability to forgive or overlook slights. In contrast to “patient,” it might suggest a more noble or virtuous kind of patience, especially in the face of personal attacks or unjust treatment.
3. Long - suffering
- Meaning: Having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people. For example, “The long - suffering mother endured her children's tantrums with a calm smile.”
- Usage difference: “Long - suffering” emphasizes a continuous and often difficult struggle to maintain patience over an extended period. It implies a history of putting up with hardships or the repeated misbehavior of others. In comparison to “patient,” it gives a stronger sense of endurance through a series of trials and tribulations.
4. Composed
- Meaning: Calm and in control of one's emotions; not easily perturbed. For example, “Even in the face of chaos, he remained composed and patient.”
- Usage difference: “Composed” focuses on the state of emotional calmness. While it can be related to patience, it is more about maintaining a steady demeanor. In contrast to “patient,” which is more about the ability to wait, “composed” is about the appearance and actual state of being calm, regardless of whether one is waiting or dealing with a sudden crisis. For example, a composed person might handle a sudden interruption with grace, and this calm state can also be seen as a form of patience in handling unexpected situations.