Noun
/ˌlɔːŋˈsʌf(ə)rəns/
Meaning:
Long-sufferance refers to the state of having to endure prolonged suffering or hardship, often characterized by patience and tolerance. It may describe someone's ability to withstand difficult situations without complaint.
Usage:
The term is often used in both formal and literary contexts, reflecting a certain level of endurance in the face of adversity. While it may not be encountered in everyday conversation, it is more prevalent in written contexts such as literature, articles, or speeches.
The term "long-sufferance" is relatively uncommon in modern English, particularly in casual conversation. It tends to appear more frequently in written form, especially in literary works or discussions that require a higher level of vocabulary.
Her long-sufferance in the face of constant criticism showed her incredible strength.
Su resistencia en el rostro de críticas constantes mostró su increíble fortaleza.
The long-sufferance of the workers was finally rewarded with better conditions.
La paciencia de los trabajadores finalmente fue recompensada con mejores condiciones.
His long-sufferance during the ordeal made him a respected figure among his peers.
Su capacidad de soportar durante la prueba lo convirtió en una figura respetada entre sus compañeros.
While "long-sufferance" itself may not be a part of widely recognized idioms, it contributes to the vocabulary that expresses endurance and patience. Here are a few idiomatic expressions that relate to the concept:
To have a long fuse – to be patient and able to tolerate frustration for a long time.
He has a long fuse, so I was surprised he finally snapped.
(Él tiene una paciencia infinita, así que me sorprendió que finalmente se enojara.)
Bite the bullet – to endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.
Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and get the job done.
(A veces solo tienes que morder la bala y hacer el trabajo.)
Weather the storm – to endure a difficult situation.
They managed to weather the storm during the financial crisis.
(Lograron resistir la tormenta durante la crisis financiera.)
Grin and bear it – to endure something unpleasant with good humor.
When the surprises come during meetings, I just grin and bear it.
(Cuando llegan sorpresas durante las reuniones, simplemente sonrío y lo aguanto.)
Roll with the punches – to adapt to difficulties; to keep going despite setbacks.
In the restaurant business, you learn to roll with the punches.
(En el negocio de restaurantes, aprendes a adaptarte a las dificultades.)
The term "long-sufferance" derives from Middle English "long suffrāunce," which means the ability to tolerate or endure suffering over an extended period. The prefix "long-" denotes duration, while "sufferance" pertains to the experience of pain or hardship.