Difference Between Patience and Perseverance

The main difference between patience and perseverance is that patience is the ability to endure difficult situations without being annoyed or anxious, but perseverance is the quality of continuing with something even though it is difficult.

In brief, patience and perseverance are two virtues everyone should aspire to cultivate in life. A patient person is calm in the face of provocation, annoyance, delay misfortune, or pain, and does not lose temper or become irritated or frustrated. Perseverance is simply not giving up, however difficult a task is.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Patience 
     – Definition, Nature, Examples
2. What is Perseverance
    – Definition, Nature, Examples
3. What is the Difference Between Patience and Perseverance
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Patience, PerseveranceDifference Between Patience and Perseverance - Comparison Summary

What is Patience

Patience is the ability to endure difficult situations, including pain, suffering, delay, anger and misfortune. Therefore, a patient person is someone who endures problems and sufferings without becoming anxious and annoyed. He or she will be calm in the face of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaining, losing temper, or becoming irritated. Moreover, a patient person is calm, tolerant, and even-tempered. For example,

The opposite of patience is hastiness and impetuosity. Most religions in the world advocate patience as an important virtue. Patience is a good trait to cultivate in a person.

Main Difference - Patience vs Perseverance

Example Sentences

 A mother should have the patience to deal with mischievous children.

He has the patience of a saint.

I have run out of patience with their childish antiques.

Her patience, courage, and perseverance finally brought her success.

What is Perseverance

Perseverance refers to continued steady belief or efforts in spite of discouragement or difficulty. In other words, it means continuing with something even though it is difficult, or in spite of many obstacles. Perseverance is simply not giving up, however difficult a task is. This term originates from the Latin perseverantia, which means to abide by something strictly.

When you persevere, you continue or repeat a behaviour. A person who perseveres is steady and strong.  Moreover, a person who shows good perseverance has a strong commitment, determination and persistence. We usually use this term when we are talking about a good purpose or a desirable goal. For example, a person who sailed around the world or a person who climbed Mount Everest shows a great degree of perseverance.

Difference Between Patience and Perseverance

Example Sentences:

Through hard work and perseverance, she worked her way up to the top.

He achieved that position because he showed great perseverance in the face of difficulty.

Learning a new language requires constant practice and perseverance.

Difference Between Patience and Perseverance

Definition

Patience is the ability to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Meanwhile, perseverance refers to continued steady belief or efforts in spite of discouragement or difficulty.

Nature

Moreover, a patient person is calm in the face of provocation, annoyance, delay misfortune, or pain, and does not lose temper or become irritated or frustrated. In contrast, a person who shows perseverance is strong and steady and does not give up in the face of adversary or difficulty.

Qualities

Patience involves acceptance and tolerance, whereas perseverance involves persistence and determination.

Conclusion

The main difference between patience and perseverance is that patience is the ability to endure difficult situations without being annoyed or anxious, whereas perseverance is the quality of continuing with something even though it is difficult. In brief, patience and perseverance are two virtues everyone should aspire to cultivate in life. 

Reference: 

1. “Patience.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Mar. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Shallow Focus of Clear Hourglass” by Jordan Benton (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Person Rock Climbing” By Анна Рыжкова (CC0) via Pexels

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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