What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
invalid
Example
My grandfather is an invalid and needs assistance with daily tasks. [invalid: noun]
Example
That claim is invalid because there is no evidence to support it. [invalid: adjective]
Example
The contract is invalid because it was signed under duress. [invalid: adjective]
patient
Example
The doctor is seeing patients in the order of their appointments. [patient: noun]
Example
She was patient and waited for her turn in line. [patient: adjective]
Example
He showed great patience in dealing with difficult customers. [patient: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Patient is more commonly used than invalid in everyday language. Patient is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while invalid is less common and refers to a specific condition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between invalid and patient?
Both invalid and patient can be used in formal and informal contexts, but invalid may be considered more formal due to its less common usage and specific meaning.
