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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
IMPA'TIENT, a. [L. impatiens.] Uneasy or fretful under suffering; not bearing pain with composure; not enduring evil without fretfulness,uneasiness, and a desire or effort to get rid of the evil. Young men are impatient of restraint. We are all apt to be impatient under wrongs; but it is a christian duty not to be impatient in sickness, or under any afflictive dispensation of Providence.
This word is followed by of, at, for, or under. We are impatient of restraint, or of wrongs; impatient at the delay of expected good; impatient for the return of a friend, or for the arrival of the mail; impatient under evils of any kind. The proper use of these particles can be learnt only by practice or observation.
IMPA'TIENT, n. One who is restless under suffering.
Not patient; not bearing with composure;
intolerant; uneasy; fretful; restless, because of pain, delay, or
opposition; eager for change, or for something expected; hasty;
passionate; -- often followed by at, for, of,
and under.
A violent, sudden, and impatient necessity. Jer. Taylor. Fame, impatient of extremes, decays The impatient man will not give himself time to be informed of the matter that lies before him. Addison. Dryden was poor and impatient of poverty. Macaulay. Not to be borne; unendurable.
[Obs.]
Spenser. Prompted by, or exhibiting, impatience;
as, impatient speeches or replies.
Shak.
Syn. -- Restless; uneasy; changeable; hot; eager; fretful; intolerant; passionate. One who is
impatient.
[R.] | ||||||||