What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impatient
Example
She grew impatient waiting for the bus to arrive. [impatient: adjective]
Example
He was tapping his foot impatiently, eager to leave. [impatiently: adverb]
restless
Example
The baby was restless and wouldn't sleep through the night. [restless: adjective]
Example
She felt restless and wanted to explore the city. [restless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impatient is more commonly used than restless in everyday language. Impatient is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while restless is less common and is typically used to describe a more prolonged feeling of discomfort.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impatient and restless?
Both impatient and restless are informal words that are suitable for everyday conversation. However, impatient may be slightly more formal than restless due to its wider usage in various contexts.
