Pazienza (Italian for "patience") is a quality of being enduring and calm when faced with delays, problems, or suffering. It encompasses the ability to tolerate frustration and adversity without becoming angry, anxious, or overwhelmed. Pazienza suggests a capacity to accept things as they are, even when they are not ideal, and to persevere towards a desired outcome with a steady and unwavering spirit.
In Italian culture, pazienza can also imply a philosophical acceptance of life's inherent difficulties and uncertainties. It's often seen as a virtue, associated with wisdom, resilience, and inner strength. While it shares a common root and meaning with the English word "patience," pazienza can sometimes carry a slightly broader connotation, including aspects of forbearance and understanding. The expression "Avere pazienza" means "to have patience".
The opposite of pazienza is impazienza, which means "impatience".