What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patience
Example
You need to have patience when teaching young children. [patience: noun]
Example
She patiently waited for her turn to speak. [patiently: adverb]
perseverance
Example
His perseverance paid off when he finally got the job he wanted. [perseverance: noun]
Example
She persevered through the tough times and eventually achieved her dream. [persevered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Patience is a more common word than perseverance in everyday language, as it is a quality that is needed in many situations. However, perseverance is more commonly used in professional or motivational contexts, where the emphasis is on achieving long-term goals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patience and perseverance?
Both patience and perseverance can be used in formal or informal contexts, but perseverance is more commonly used in professional or motivational contexts where the emphasis is on achieving goals and overcoming obstacles.
