Impatience - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Impatience is the state of being restless, intolerant, and unwilling to wait or be delayed 😠. It's like having a burning desire to get things done immediately, without any obstacles. It's more than just wanting something quickly; it's an active frustration with any form of delay. Think of waiting in a long line when you're already late – that's impatience. It can stem from feeling stressed, pressured, or simply having a strong sense of urgency. Impatience can lead to rash decisions and strained relationships.

Etymology

The word "impatience" comes from the Old French word "impatience", which came from Late Latin "impatientia". It is a combination of the prefix "im-" (not) and "patientia" (endurance, suffering, patience). Patientia comes from the Latin word "pati" (to suffer). Thus "impatience" means not enduring or suffering; not being able to wait.

Related Words

Examples

• "His impatience grew as the traffic jam stretched on."
• "She tried to hide her impatience, but her tapping foot betrayed her."
• "The child's impatience was evident in his constant questions about when they would arrive."
• "He apologized for his impatience, explaining that he had a tight deadline."

Encouragement

When you feel impatience rising, try to practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Remember, good things often take time and effort! 😊💖

Learn More

📖 Learn more on Wikipedia