patiently

adverb

pa·​tient·​ly ˈpā-shənt-lē How to pronounce patiently (audio)
: in a patient manner : with calmness or without complaint or hurry in spite of delays, difficulties, tedium, etc.
The bank customers waited patiently for the next teller.
She very patiently answered all our questions.
It wasn't until I was in my late teens, when my brother Caleb patiently taught me to play racquetball, that I realized I was coordinated enough to participate in athletic endeavors.—Rhoda Janzen

Examples of patiently in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One has always had a doctor who explained things patiently, and reads it as reassuring evidence that the system catches problems. — Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 Conroy, meanwhile, has waited patiently for his chance to start. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026 Some guides damage coral colonies to make these tiny fish easier to show to visitors, but this image was captured by waiting patiently and allowing the animal to appear naturally. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patiently

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patiently was in the 14th century

Rhymes for patiently

See All Rhymes for patiently

Browse Nearby Words

patientless
patiently
patient zero
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patiently.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patiently. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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