What is patient? Pronunciation and usage in English

patient means . Learn how to pronounce and use patient through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of patient

patientadjective/noun

/ˈpeɪʃnt/
Definition & pronunciation of patient

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "patient." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • PA-shuh-nt

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. PA: Pronounced like the "pa" in "father." (ˈpeɪ) - The "a" is short.
  2. shuh: Pronounced like "shoo" – think of saying "shoe" but shortening it slightly. (ˈʃuː) - This is a long "u" sound as in "blue".
  3. nt: This is a consonant blend. The "n" is pronounced clearly, and the "t" is almost silent. It's more like a soft "n" sound at the end. (nt) – Think of it almost like just a "n" sound.

Here’s a helpful way to hear it:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Saying "pa-shennt": The "t" is not pronounced.
  • Overemphasizing the "t": It’s a very light sound at the end.
  • Pronouncing the "shuh" like "shoe": It’s slightly shorter and more clipped.

Resources for Further Practice:

  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ – Type in "patient" and you’ll see it spoken in real-life videos. This is a fantastic way to hear the rhythm and flow of the word.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some additional practice words that use similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word patient in English

Let's break down how to use the word "patient" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a detailed look:

1. As an Adjective (Describing a Person):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It describes someone who doesn't get frustrated easily, who can tolerate delays or difficulties calmly.
  • Examples:
    • "She's a very patient teacher, always willing to explain things multiple times."
    • "He needs to develop more patience when dealing with difficult customers."
    • "Don't be so patient! Waiting is frustrating." (Here, it's used to encourage someone to not be overly calm – a little frustration is okay).
    • “I admire her patience with her young children.”

2. As a Noun (Referring to the Quality):

  • Meaning: This refers to the characteristic of being able to wait calmly and without complaining.
  • Examples:
    • "He has a strong sense of patience."
    • "Developing patience is a key skill for meditation."
    • "It takes patience to learn a new language."

3. As a Verb (Describing an Action – Medical Context):

  • Meaning: This means to endure a treatment or wait for a procedure, often in a medical setting.
  • Examples:
    • "The doctor told him to patient with the medication." (meaning: to wait and take the medication as prescribed)
    • “The patient was wheeled into the operating room and patientd for the surgeon.”
    • "She's patient for a bone spur recovery." (meaning waiting for it to heal)

4. Less Common Usage – "Patient" as a Feeling (Slightly Obsessed):

  • Meaning: This usually refers to someone who is overly concerned about a particular thing and is waiting for it to happen or to improve. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation – suggesting a bit of obsession.
  • Examples:
    • "He was patient for the company to make a profit." (meaning he was anxiously waiting and hoping)
    • “She is a patient observer, meticulously documenting every detail.” (Here, it suggests a detailed and focused waiting – observing carefully).

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • "Patience" vs. "Patient": "Patience" is the noun (the quality), while "patient" is the adjective (describing a person) or verb (describing the action).
  • Tone: “Patient” as an adjective can sometimes imply a lack of urgency or resilience. If you want to emphasize someone’s ability despite a difficult situation, you might use words like “resilient,” “understanding,” or “tolerant."

Tips for Using It Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to the situation to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Consider synonyms: If you're unsure, synonyms like "tolerant," "understanding," "calm," “forbearing,” or “composed” can often be more precise.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "patient" in specific contexts?
  • Compare "patient" and "patience" in more detail?
  • Help you write a sentence using "patient" correctly?

Synonyms for the word patient

Practice with vocabulary patient

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To effectively troubleshoot complex technical issues, one must be very _______ and systematic.
  2. The new medical facility aims to provide personalized care for every _______ admitted.
  3. The researcher showed great _______ in meticulously analyzing thousands of data points over several months.
  4. Understanding customer feedback requires an _______ ear and a willingness to adapt.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. To manage client expectations during a lengthy project, it's crucial to be _______ and communicate regularly. a) patient b) impulsive c) calm d) hasty

  2. After the surgery, the medical staff closely monitored the _______'s vital signs. a) client b) patient c) recipient d) visitor

  3. The financial analyst waited _______ for the market to stabilize before making any major investment decisions. a) eagerly b) impatiently c) patiently d) rashly

  4. Effective problem-solving often demands significant _______ and a methodical approach. a) hastiness b) perseverance c) diligence d) carelessness

  5. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key factors in maintaining overall good _______. a) illness b) health c) disease d) ailment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using "patient" or a related word form: Original: She waited calmly for the results of the critical experiment, understanding the complexities involved. Rewrite: She waited _______ for the results of the critical experiment, understanding the complexities involved.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using "patient" or a related word form: Original: The individual receiving long-term medical care showed remarkable resilience. Rewrite: The _______ receiving long-term medical care showed remarkable resilience.

  3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word (do not use "patient"): Original: Success in scientific research often requires a great deal of continuous effort over extended periods. Rewrite: Success in scientific research often requires a great deal of _______ over extended periods.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. patient
  2. patient
  3. perseverance
  4. attentive

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) patient, c) calm
  2. b) patient
  3. c) patiently
  4. b) perseverance, c) diligence
  5. b) health

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She waited patiently for the results of the critical experiment, understanding the complexities involved.
  2. The patient receiving long-term medical care showed remarkable resilience.
  3. Success in scientific research often requires a great deal of perseverance over extended periods. (Alternatively: diligence)

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