Patient Meaning

Patient

Meaning of Word:

The word “patient” primarily refers to a person who is receiving medical care or treatment. It can also describe the quality of being able to wait calmly without becoming upset or agitated.

Etymology:

The word “patient” comes from the Latin patiens, meaning “suffering” or “enduring.” The term evolved in Old French as patient, referring to someone enduring hardship or receiving medical treatment. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the concept of enduring without complaint.

Detailed Explanation:

“Patient” can have two main uses:

1. Medical Context: A patient is someone who is under the care of a medical professional, typically a doctor or nurse. This term can refer to anyone receiving treatment for illness, injury, or medical conditions, whether in a hospital, clinic, or at home.
2. Personal Trait: In a broader, non-medical sense, “patient” describes a person who demonstrates tolerance, calmness, and self-control, especially when waiting or enduring something challenging. It refers to the ability to handle delays or difficult situations without becoming frustrated or upset.

For example:

• “The patient is recovering well after surgery.”
• “She was patient enough to wait for hours without complaining.”

Examples:

1. The doctor asked the patient to follow up after two weeks for further tests.
2. The patient waited quietly in the waiting room for their appointment.
3. He remained patient despite the long delays at the airport.

Synonyms with Explanation:

1. Calm – A person who is not easily upset or agitated, especially in stressful situations, similar to being patient.
2. Tolerant – Someone who can accept or endure difficult circumstances or other people’s differences without becoming upset.
3. Enduring – Referring to the ability to withstand hardship or remain unaffected by difficulties over time.

Few Related Terms:

1. Patience – The quality or ability of being patient, the capacity to wait calmly or endure without frustration.
2. Patiently – An adverb that describes the manner in which one waits or behaves, showing calmness and tolerance.
3. Inpatient – A patient who stays in a hospital while receiving treatment or care, typically overnight or longer.
4. Outpatient – A patient who receives medical treatment but does not stay overnight at a hospital.

Antonyms with Explanation:

1. Impatient – Describes someone who lacks patience, becoming easily frustrated or upset, especially when faced with delays or difficulties.
2. Restless – Refers to a person who cannot remain still or calm, often due to anxiety or a desire for something to happen quickly.
3. Agitated – Describes a person who is visibly upset or disturbed, often due to stress or frustration.

Other Words Started with “Patient”:

1. Patience – The ability to wait calmly and endure hardship without frustration.
2. Patiently – Acting in a calm and composed manner while waiting or enduring a situation.
3. Patienthood – The condition or status of being a patient, particularly in a medical context.