Patient Meaning
Patient Definition & Usage
Able to wait calmly without becoming annoyed or anxious.
Examples
- "She was patient while waiting for her turn at the doctor’s office."
- "Even after hours of waiting, he remained patient and didn't complain."
- "I admire how patient you are with the kids."
- "It takes a patient person to teach young children."
- "The doctor was patient with my many questions about the treatment."
A person who is receiving medical treatment or care.
Examples
- "The patient was transferred to a different ward for further treatment."
- "As a nurse, she takes care of many patients every day."
- "The doctor checked on the patient after surgery."
- "He has been a patient at this hospital for several months."
- "The patients were all waiting for their check-ups in the lobby."
Cultural Context
The word 'patient' comes from the Latin word 'patiens,' meaning 'one who suffers' or 'one who endures.' The use of 'patient' as a noun to describe someone receiving medical care has evolved over centuries, especially in the context of hospitals and healthcare. In general use, 'patient' as an adjective emphasizes tolerance and composure under stressful or frustrating circumstances.
The Patience of Dr. Wells
Story
The Patience of Dr. Wells
Dr. Wells had always prided himself on being a patient man. It was a trait that served him well in his line of work as a pediatrician. One afternoon, he was tending to a young girl named Lucy, who had been complaining of a stomach ache for several days. Her mother, Mrs. Bennett, was visibly anxious, pacing back and forth in the waiting room. Dr. Wells could hear her footsteps echoing outside his office as he spoke gently to Lucy, trying to calm her fears. 'Lucy,' he said softly, 'I know you’ve been feeling sick, but we’re going to figure out what’s going on, alright?' He smiled reassuringly, though he felt a twinge of concern himself. As he examined Lucy, he heard Mrs. Bennett’s voice rise from the waiting room. She had been there for over an hour and was beginning to grow impatient, worried about what was causing Lucy’s discomfort. Dr. Wells, however, remained unfazed. He knew that his patience, both with his young patients and their anxious parents, was key to building trust. He stepped out of the room and reassured Mrs. Bennett that they would take care of everything. 'You’ve been so patient, Mrs. Bennett,' Dr. Wells said, his voice calm and steady. 'We’ll get to the bottom of this. I understand this is a stressful time for you, but I need you to remain patient while we run a few more tests.' Mrs. Bennett nodded, though her anxiety was still palpable. She appreciated Dr. Wells’ calm demeanor, but it wasn’t easy to sit still while your child was in discomfort. Still, she made an effort to follow his advice and wait. A few hours later, after some tests and a thorough examination, Dr. Wells discovered that Lucy had a mild food intolerance, something easily managed with a simple dietary adjustment. As the day wound down, Dr. Wells reflected on the moments when patience had been his most valuable asset—when it helped him comfort a worried parent, when it allowed him to listen intently to his young patients, and when it guided him through difficult diagnoses. It was in these quiet, patient moments that he knew he was doing the most important work of all. In the end, it was Dr. Wells’ unwavering patience that not only brought comfort to Lucy and her mother but also reinforced the importance of remaining calm and composed under pressure.
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