Difference Between
versus

Patient vs. Patience: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Patient is a person receiving medical care. Patience is the ability to wait or tolerate delays without becoming annoyed.
Patient vs. Patience

Key Differences

The term "patient" primarily refers to an individual under medical care or treatment, highlighting a specific role in a healthcare context. Conversely, "patience" is a virtue or quality, signifying one's capacity to endure waiting, delays, or frustration without becoming agitated or upset.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
In usage, "patient" often appears in medical or health-related discussions, indicating a person who is ill or seeking medical attention. "Patience," on the other hand, is universally applicable, describing a behavioral trait that can be exhibited in any situation requiring calm endurance or persistence.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
The word "patient" can also denote a broader sense of bearing troubles or suffering calmly, though this is less common. In contrast, "patience" explicitly represents the act of being patient, emphasizing the endurance aspect over the context of health or illness.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Linguistically, "patient" serves as both a noun and an adjective, whereas "patience" is strictly a noun. This difference underscores "patient's" dual role in describing a person and a characteristic, while "patience" remains focused on the trait alone.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
From an etymological perspective, both "patient" and "patience" share a common Latin root, "pati," meaning to suffer or endure. However, their modern meanings have diverged, with "patient" leaning towards healthcare contexts and "patience" embodying a broader behavioral quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Noun and adjective
Noun
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Context of Use

Healthcare, illness
General, behavioral trait
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Etymological Origin

Latin "pati" (to suffer)
Latin "pati" (to suffer)
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Common Associations

Hospitals, doctors, treatment
Waiting, endurance, calmness
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Linguistic Usage

Describes a person or condition
Describes a quality or behavior
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Patient and Patience Definitions

Patient

Enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance calmly and without complaint.
He was patient with the children even when they were noisy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patience

The ability to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.
His patience was tested during the long and complex project.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patient

Capable of accepting or tolerating delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
You must be patient, as the process can take several weeks.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patience

The quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint or loss of temper.
Her patience with the slow progress was admirable.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patient

A person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
The hospital was full of patients waiting for surgery.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Patience

The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
She showed great patience when teaching her younger brother.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patient

Used to indicate someone under the care of a particular professional.
As a dentist's patient, she was nervous about her appointment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patience

A state of endurance under difficult circumstances.
Patience is often required in long-term endeavors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patient

Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness
Tried to remain patient when the airline announced the flight was delayed.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Patience is key in learning a new language.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Patient

Marked by or exhibiting calm endurance of pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance
Responded to the accusations with a patient smile.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

The capacity, quality, or fact of being patient
"The task of mastering ancient languages ... takes years of study, and persistence, and patience" (Cullen Murphy).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Tolerant; understanding
An unfailingly patient leader and guide.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

Chiefly British, Games Solitaire.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Persevering; constant
With patient industry, she revived the failing business and made it thrive.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

The quality of being patient.
Musical perfection requires practice and a lot of patience.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Capable of calmly awaiting an outcome or result; not hasty or impulsive.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

Any of various card games that can be played by one person. Called solitaire in the US and Canada.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Capable of bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance
“My uncle Toby was a man patient of injuries” (Laurence Sterne).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

The state or quality of being patient; the power of suffering with fortitude; uncomplaining endurance of evils or wrongs, as toil, pain, poverty, insult, oppression, calamity, etc.
Strengthened with all might, . . . unto all patience and long-suffering.
I must have patience to endure the load.
Who hath learned lowlinessFrom his Lord's cradle, patience from his cross.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

One who receives medical attention, care, or treatment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

The act or power of calmly or contentedly waiting for something due or hoped for; forbearance.
Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

(Linguistics) A noun or noun phrase identifying one that is acted upon or undergoes an action. Also called goal.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

Constancy in labor or application; perseverance.
He learned with patience, and with meekness taught.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

(Obsolete) One who suffers.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

Sufferance; permission.
They stay upon your patience.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

(of a person) Willing to wait if necessary; not losing one's temper while waiting.
Be patient: your friends will arrive in a few hours.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

A kind of dock (Rumex Patientia), less common in America than in Europe; monk's rhubarb.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Constant in pursuit or exertion; persevering; calmly diligent.
Patient endeavour
A patient wait
Patient analysis
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

Solitaire.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

(obsolete) Physically able to suffer or bear.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

Good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

A person or animal who receives treatment from a doctor or other medically educated person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patience

A card game played by one person
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

The noun or noun phrase that is semantically on the receiving end of a verb's action.
The subject of a passive verb is usually a patient.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

One who, or that which, is passively affected; a passive recipient.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Having the quality of enduring; physically able to suffer or bear.
Patient of severest toil and hardship.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Undergoing pains, trials, or the like, without murmuring or fretfulness; bearing up with equanimity against trouble; long-suffering.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Constant in pursuit or exertion; persevering; calmly diligent; as, patient endeavor.
Whatever I have done is due to patient thought.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Expectant with calmness, or without discontent; not hasty; not overeager; composed.
Not patient to expect the turns of fate.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Forbearing; long-suffering.
Be patient toward all men.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

One who, or that which, is passively affected; a passive recipient.
Malice is a passion so impetuous and precipitate that it often involves the agent and the patient.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

A person under medical or surgical treatment; - correlative to physician or nurse.
Like a physician, . . . seeing his patient in a pestilent fever.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

To compose, to calm.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

A person who requires medical care;
The number of emergency patients has grown rapidly
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

The semantic role of an entity that is not the agent but is directly involved in or affected by the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Enduring trying circumstances with even temper or characterized by such endurance;
A patient smile
Was patient with the children
An exact and patient scientist
Please be patient
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Enduring without protest or complaint
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Patient

Showing self-control and restraint under provocation.
She remained patient despite the repeated delays.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can "patience" refer to a medical condition?

No, it strictly refers to a behavioral quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Can "patience" be used to describe a person?

No, it describes a behavioral trait, not a person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Does "patient" have an adjective form?

Yes, it can describe someone who is enduring or tolerant.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Are "patient" and "patience" interchangeable?

No, they have distinct meanings and uses.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

What is a synonym for "patience"?

Endurance, tolerance, or fortitude.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Can "patience" be learned or improved?

Yes, it's a trait that can be developed over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Are there synonyms for "patient" in a medical sense?

Yes, such as "in-patient" or "out-patient" depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Can "patient" be a verb?

No, it's only a noun or adjective.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Is "patient" only used in medical contexts?

Primarily, yes, but it can also describe someone enduring difficulties calmly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Can animals be described as "patient"?

Yes, in the sense of showing calm endurance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

What are idioms related to "patience"?

"Patience is a virtue," for example.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Can technology be described as "patient"?

No, it's a human or animate characteristic.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Is "patient" always related to illness?

Mostly, but it can also mean someone tolerating a situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Is "patience" ever used in a medical context?

Not typically; it's more about behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Is "patience" a skill?

It can be considered a skill in managing emotions and reactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Are there cultural differences in how "patient" is perceived?

Yes, perceptions can vary based on healthcare norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Are there idioms related to "patient"?

Not directly, though there are many health-related phrases.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Can "patient" refer to a legal status?

Not usually; it's mainly medical or behavioral.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Does "patience" vary in different cultures?

The concept is universal, but cultural attitudes towards it can vary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Is "patience" a common virtue?

Yes, it's widely regarded as a positive trait.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Hydroscopic vs. HygroscopicHydroscopic vs. Hygroscopic
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 14, 2024
Hydroscopic is a common misnomer, often incorrectly used in place of hygroscopic. Hygroscopic refers to substances that absorb moisture from the air.
Pulley vs. SheavePulley vs. Sheave
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 4, 2024
A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.
Guilty vs. LiableGuilty vs. Liable
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 7, 2024
Being guilty implies responsibility for committing a crime or wrongdoing, while being liable denotes legal responsibility or obligation, often in a civil context.
Natural Rubber vs. Synthetic RubberNatural Rubber vs. Synthetic Rubber
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 8, 2024
Natural rubber, derived from the latex of rubber trees, offers elasticity and resistance to abrasion, while synthetic rubber, produced from petroleum byproducts, provides enhanced chemical and temperature resistance.
Polo Ralph Lauren vs. US Polo AssnPolo Ralph Lauren vs. US Polo Assn
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 21, 2024
Polo Ralph Lauren is a premium fashion brand known for luxury clothing, while US Polo Assn is the official brand of the United States Polo Association, focused on affordable casual wear.
Inox vs. Stainless SteelInox vs. Stainless Steel
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 10, 2024
Inox is a synonym for stainless steel, used mainly in Europe, while stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium.
Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm ProPycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 4, 2024
PyCharm Community is a free, open-source IDE for Python development, while PyCharm Pro is a paid version with additional advanced features like web development support and database tools.
Coke vs. PepsiCoke vs. Pepsi
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 12, 2024
Coke and Pepsi are iconic cola beverages with distinct flavors; Coke has a sharper, vanilla-tinged taste, while Pepsi is sweeter with a citrusy flavor.
Broadsheet vs. TabloidBroadsheet vs. Tabloid
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 2, 2024
Broadsheet is a large-format newspaper focusing on serious content; Tabloid is a smaller, sensational news-focused paper.
Catholic Bible vs. NIV BibleCatholic Bible vs. NIV Bible
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 11, 2024
The Catholic Bible includes additional books in the Old Testament not found in the NIV Bible; the NIV is a modern English translation.
HAWB vs. MAWBHAWB vs. MAWB
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 2, 2024
HAWB (House Air Waybill) is issued by freight forwarders for individual shipments, while MAWB (Master Air Waybill) is issued by airlines for multiple shipments consolidated by those forwarders.
Stuck vs. StockStuck vs. Stock
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
June 18, 2024
"Stuck" refers to being unable to move or progress, while "stock" primarily denotes inventory or shares in a company, highlighting distinct usage contexts.
Michael vs. MichealMichael vs. Micheal
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 31, 2024
"Michael" is a common male name, whereas "Micheal" is often a misspelling or a less common variant.
.380 vs. .38 Special.380 vs. .38 Special
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
April 20, 2024
The .380 is a short-range pistol cartridge with less recoil, while the .38 Special is a longer, more powerful revolver cartridge suitable for diverse uses.
Ammonium Sulfate vs. UreaAmmonium Sulfate vs. Urea
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Ammonium Sulfate is an inorganic salt used as a fertilizer, while Urea is an organic compound used in agriculture and industry.
Department vs. DivisionDepartment vs. Division
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 22, 2024
A department is a specialized unit within an organization focusing on a specific function or task, while a division is a larger segment of a company, often based on product lines, customer types, or geographical areas.
Double Room vs. Twin RoomDouble Room vs. Twin Room
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
October 16, 2024
A double room features one large bed for two people, focusing on couples or close pairs, while a twin room has two separate single beds, catering to friends or colleagues.
Garbanzo Beans vs. Cannellini BeansGarbanzo Beans vs. Cannellini Beans
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Garbanzo beans are round, beige legumes with a nutty taste, while cannellini beans are larger, white kidney beans with a milder flavor.
TPU vs. PUTPU vs. PU
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
April 26, 2024
TPU is a type of thermoplastic elastomer with high elasticity and durability, while PU, or polyurethane, is versatile with varying hardness and used in multiple applications.
Single User Operating System vs. Multi User Operating SystemSingle User Operating System vs. Multi User Operating System
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 24, 2024
A Single User Operating System supports one user at a time, whereas a Multi User Operating System allows multiple users to operate simultaneously.
Grand Opening vs. Soft OpeningGrand Opening vs. Soft Opening
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Grand Opening is a highly publicized and celebratory launch of a business or venue, while a Soft Opening is a more subdued trial opening, often with limited services or a smaller audience.
Conflict vs. DisputeConflict vs. Dispute
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Conflict is a serious disagreement or argument, often a prolonged one; a dispute is a disagreement or argument, but typically less severe and often more focused on a specific issue.
Ivory vs. LinenIvory vs. Linen
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 6, 2024
Ivory refers to a shade of white with a slight yellowish or creamy hue, often associated with the material from elephant tusks, while linen is a textile made from flax fibers, known for its durability, coolness, and breathability.
Anglo Celtic vs. Anglo SaxonAnglo Celtic vs. Anglo Saxon
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 14, 2024
Anglo Celtic refers to cultures and peoples of British Isles origin with Celtic influences, while Anglo Saxon pertains to Germanic tribes who settled in England.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons