Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

patience

 noun
     
NEW! See related topics: CARDS
pa‧tience S3 [uncountable]
1 the ability to continue waiting or doing something for a long time without becoming angry or anxious [≠ impatience]:
I wouldn't have the patience to sit sewing all day.
infinite/unlimited/endless patience
a good listener who has infinite patience
2 the ability to accept trouble and other people's annoying behaviour without complaining or becoming angry:
You'll need patience and understanding if you're going to be a teacher.
have little/no patience with somebody
She has no patience with time-wasters.
lose/run out of patience (with somebody) (=stop being patient and get angry)
I'm beginning to lose patience with you people.
It will take time and patience to get these changes accepted.
Celia's patience suddenly snapped and she told them to shut up.
the patience of Job/the patience of a saint (=very great patience when someone is annoying you)
Henry's negative attitude is beginning to try my patience (=make me lose my patience).
3

(have) patience

used to tell someone to wait calmly:
Patience, my dear. Some things take time.
4 British EnglishDGC a card game for one player [= solitaire American English]
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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