Word
patiently
Phoneticspa·tient·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpeɪʃəntɫi/
UK/pˈeɪʃəntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something in a calm way without getting angry or upset, even if it takes a long time.
adv. in a manner that demonstrates tolerance for delay, trouble, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
Examples
“She waited patiently for the bus to arrive.”
“The teacher sat patiently while the student struggled to find the right words to explain the problem.”
“The detective watched the house patiently for hours, knowing that any sudden movement might alert the suspect and ruin weeks of careful surveillance.”
Examples
simple
“She waited patiently for the bus to arrive.”
contextual
“The teacher sat patiently while the student struggled to find the right words to explain the problem.”
complex
“The detective watched the house patiently for hours, knowing that any sudden movement might alert the suspect and ruin weeks of careful surveillance.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Etymology
From patient + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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