patient, proud, loyal, respectful, confident: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Intermediate set 30. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. patient · adjective/ˈpeɪʃ(ə)nt/

   willing to wait if necessary without getting angry

   Working with little kids teaches you to be patient and control your negative reactions.

   Synonyms: calm, tolerant

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French, from Latin patient- ‘suffering’, from the verb pati

2. proud · adjective/praʊd/

   feeling happy or satisfied about something; feeling honored

   My grandparents are celebrating their 52nd anniversary this year. I am so proud of them.

   Synonyms: satisfied, pleased

   Origin: late Old English prūt, prūd ‘having a high opinion of one's own worth’, from Old French prud ‘valiant’, based on Latin prodesse ‘be of value’. The phrase proud flesh dates back to late Middle English, but the sense ‘slightly projecting’ is first recorded in English dialect of the 19th century

3. loyal · adjective/ˈlɔɪ(ə)l/

   showing support even in difficult times

   Sam is a loyal friend. He looked out for me and supported me in my most difficult times.

   Synonyms: faithful, committed

   Origin: mid 16th century: from French, via Old French loial from Latin legalis (see legal)

4. respectful · adjective/rəˈspɛk(t)f(ə)l/

   showing politeness and consideration toward others

   There must be a respectful dialogue between the countries.

   Synonyms: polite, considerate

5. confident · adjective/ˈkɑnfəd(ə)nt/

   believing in one's own abilities and skills

   Our coach was confident that we would win the game, but I had my doubts.

   Synonyms: self-assured

   Origin: late 16th century: from French confident(e), from Italian confidente, from Latin confident- ‘having full trust’, from the verb confidere, from con- (expressing intensive force) + fidere ‘trust’