impatience
UK[ɪmˈpeɪʃns]US[ɪmˈpeɪʃns]
n
the feeling of being annoyed by someone's mistakes or because you have to wait
n
a lack of patience; restlessness or eagerness for change or action
Morpheme Breakdown
im
patience
im
not
patience
forbearance
Etymology
The word 'impatience' is formed within English by the combination of the native negative prefix 'im-' and the noun 'patience'. Its ultimate origin lies in Latin, where the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') was attached to 'pati' (meaning 'to suffer, endure'), creating 'impatiens'. This Latin root passed into Old French as 'pacience' and 'impatience', before being borrowed into Middle English. The core logic of the word has remained consistent from its classical roots: the state of not enduring or not suffering (delay, provocation, or inaction) willingly, which directly translates to the modern sense of irritation with waiting or eagerness for prompt action.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + patience (forbearance)
im- is a prefix of Latin origin, a form of 'in-' meaning 'not'. patience is a noun of Latin origin, from 'patientia' meaning 'suffering, endurance, forbearance'.
Examples
She tapped her fingers on the table, a clear sign of her growing impatience.
There is widespread impatience with the slow pace of political reform.
His impatience often got the better of him, leading to hasty decisions.