The phrase "being patent" is often misspelled as "being patient", but the two words have very different meanings. "Being patient" means showing self-control or tolerance, while "being patent" means holding exclusive legal rights to an invention or process. The correct spelling of "being patent" is /ˈbiːɪŋ ˈpeɪtənt/. The pronunciation is a combination of the long "e" sound in "being" and the stress on the second syllable in "patent". Remembering the correct spelling of this phrase will prevent confusion between these two words with distinct meanings.
Being patient means having the ability to wait calmly for a desired outcome or to endure difficulty, without becoming frustrated, annoyed, or restless. It is the state of remaining composed and calm in the face of delays, obstacles, or challenges, without rushing to immediate action or losing one's temper.
Patience is a virtue that involves exhibiting self-control and maintaining a positive attitude in situations that demand time, perseverance, or tolerance. It is the ability to accept or tolerate delay, pain, or suffering without complain or agitation. Being patient is often associated with having a long-term perspective and the willingness to devote time and effort to achieve one's goals, recognizing that some things take time to come to fruition.
Being patient involves the practice of understanding, forgiveness, and empathy towards oneself and others. It requires having the capacity to listen attentively, empathize, and acknowledge differing perspectives or opinions without judgment or interruption. Patience encourages mindful observation and thoughtful decision-making, enabling individuals to approach difficult situations with rationality and fairness.
In summary, being patient is the ability to remain calm, composed, and understanding in the face of delay, adversity, or challenge. It involves maintaining a positive attitude and long-term perspective, while exhibiting self-control and empathy towards oneself and others.
The term "being patent" does not have an etymology of its own. However, "being" and "patent" can be explored individually:
The word "being" originates from the Old English word "bēon", which means "to exist" or "to be". Over time, it evolved to become "being" in Middle English. It refers to the state or condition of existence.
On the other hand, "patent" comes from the Latin word "patens", which means "open" or "exposed". In Medieval Latin, "patens" was used to describe royal letters granting certain rights or privileges to individuals. This later developed into the modern definition of a "patent" as an official document that grants exclusive rights for an invention to the inventor.