patient

Where does the word "patient" come from? It comes from Latin pati, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Patient’s story begins in Latin: pati meant “to suffer.” The root of 'passion'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as pacient. One who endures suffering. It reached English by 1300s as patient. The medical sense, one who suffers illness, followed. Today, patient means able to wait calmly; a person receiving medical care.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient pati "to suffer", the root of 'passion'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval pacient "enduring", one who endures suffering.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s patient "enduring", the medical sense, one who suffers illness, followed.