A patient is someone who goes to see a doctor or nurse when they are sick or hurt. We use this word to talk about people getting help for health problems.
The patient waits at the hospital.
The doctor cares for the patient.
Used to describe how someone acts with calm and control, especially when time or work is slow. It is about being steady and not rushing.
A patient approach helps solve problems.
She has a patient way of explaining things.
This meaning of patient is about a person who accepts pain or hardship quietly. It focuses on the person’s ability to endure difficult feelings.
The patient bore the pain bravely.
She was a patient during the long illness.
As a verb (very rare and formal), to patient means to wait calmly or endure something without anger. This use is old or formal and is uncommon in speech.
He patiented through the long wait.
She patiented while training her dog.
This meaning describes someone who can accept problems or delays without anger. It is used when someone is calm about things not going quickly or perfectly.
She is patient with her slow computer.
Be patient with mistakes in learning.
In psychology, a patient is someone who gets help from a therapist or counselor. This use is common in mental health contexts.
The patient talks about feelings in therapy.
A patient may visit once a week.
