impatient

Everyday

1. Not able to wait calmly; easily annoyed when things take time. tree →
2. Very eager to do something soon: impatient to start. tree →
3. Impatient with someone means easily annoyed by them. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows a character's feelings; in everyday life queues, waiting for presents, slow computers. Phrases: impatient to, impatient with, grow impatient.

Examples

• The children were impatient for the holidays to start. tree →
• Don't be impatient, your turn will come. tree →
• The driver grew impatient in the traffic jam. tree →
• He was impatient with his little brother. tree →
• I'm impatient to open my presents! tree →
• The impatient customer tapped her foot. tree →
• "Don't be so impatient," said Snow-White. tree →

Note

Opposite: patient. Noun: impatience. Adverb: impatiently. Trap: patient is also a noun (someone seen by a doctor), but impatient is only an adjective.

In Jewish tradition

In Numbers it means the people were worn down and discouraged by the long road.

Interpretation. The commentators see this as one of the people's repeated complaints in the wilderness, which brought punishment.

Examples

• And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became impatient because of the way. (Torah NUM.21.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Or why should I not be impatient? (Writings JOB.21.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• And I cut off the three shepherds in one month; 'for My soul became impatient of them, and their soul also loathed Me.' (Prophets ZEC.11.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Opposite: patient. Noun: impatience. Adverb: impatiently. Trap: patient is also a noun (someone seen by a doctor), but impatient is only an adjective.