What does patiently mean?
Patiently is an adverb meaning “in a patient manner,” especially with calmness, persistence, and tolerance of delay or difficulty. It is used to describe waiting for an outcome, listening to an explanation, handling a frustrating situation, or performing a task without showing irritation or haste. For example, someone may answer a question patiently or wait patiently for an appointment. The word is useful because it distinguishes deliberate composure from passive inactivity: acting patiently means continuing to wait, listen, or work steadily despite inconvenience. Its connotation is generally positive, implying endurance, consideration, and emotional control, though it can sometimes suggest that a delay or repetition is being accepted. The related noun is patience, and the related adjective is patient.
adverbIn a patient manner, without hurry, irritation, or complaint. It describes the way someone waits, works, or responds to a difficult situation with calm and endurance.
- In a calm, unhurried, and enduring manner.
"She listened patiently while he explained what had happened."
"He waited patiently for the results of the test."
"The teacher explained the difficult lesson patiently to the students."
Patience is often described as a virtue, but patiently is the action of putting that virtue into practice, one steady moment at a time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patiently come from?
The English adverb patiently developed from the adjective patient, which came through Old French from Latin patientem, the accusative form of the participle of pati, “to suffer” or “to endure.” The Latin root also underlies words relating to suffering, endurance, and compatibility. In English, the adverb took on the meaning of acting with patience before the modern period.
Related word forms
How patiently is actually used
Patiently is common in both formal and informal English. It often carries a positive implication of self-control and consideration, although in some contexts it can suggest that someone is enduring a prolonged delay or inconvenience.
Easily confused with patiently
Patiently is an adverb describing how an action is performed, while patient is an adjective describing a person or a quality, and can also be a noun meaning someone receiving medical care.
Patiently is the adverb form, whereas patience is the noun meaning the ability to wait calmly and tolerate difficulties.