patiently

Patiently is an adverb describing the manner of displaying patience. It means behaving in a calm, tolerant, and persistent way while awaiting a result or during a process. The word is formed from the adjective patient, which derives from Latin patiens, meaning bearing or suffering, with the English suffix -ly added to create an adverb.

In everyday use, patiently can refer to waiting without irritation, listening without interrupting, or continuing to work toward a goal despite delays. In medical or service settings, patients, clients, or staff may be advised to proceed patiently to reduce stress and improve outcomes. Patience is a recognized cognitive and emotional skill that helps manage frustration.

Common collocations include wait patiently, listen patiently, endure patiently, and patiently awaiting. Synonyms include calmly and unhurriedly; antonyms include impatiently and huffily. Patience is considered a virtue in many cultures and is closely linked to self-regulation and delayed gratification.

Usage notes: while patiently implies tolerance, it can also reflect purposeful effort, such as patiently gathering information or practicing a skill over time. The tone is neutral and descriptive, suitable for descriptive writing and reference material. See also patience, self-regulation, and delayed gratification.