The phrase "with wifelike patience" refers to a kind of patience that is often stereotypically attributed to a wife, suggesting a deep, enduring, and sometimes passive form of patience. It implies an expectation that this patience is enduring, supportive, and perhaps overly accommodating.
This phrase is less common in modern English, being more literary or used in specific narratives rather than in everyday conversation. Its usage can often be found in written contexts, such as literature, poetry, or essays, rather than in casual spoken language.
He tackled every problem with wifelike patience, never showing frustration.
Translation: Ele abordou cada problema com uma paciência digna de esposa, nunca mostrando frustração.
She listened to his stories with wifelike patience, even when they repeated themselves.
Translation: Ela ouviu as histórias dele com uma paciência digna de esposa, mesmo quando se repetiam.
The teacher explained the rules with wifelike patience, ensuring every student understood.
Translation: O professor explicou as regras com uma paciência digna de esposa, garantindo que todos os alunos entendessessem.
Though "with wifelike patience" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, here are some similar phrases containing the concept of patience:
Biting the bullet - Enduring a painful or unpleasant situation.
Translation: Encarando a situação que dói.
Holding one's tongue - Staying silent despite wanting to speak out.
Translation: Mantendo-se em silêncio apesar da vontade de falar.
Counting to ten - Taking a moment to collect oneself before responding.
Translation: Contando até dez para se acalmar antes de responder.
Grin and bear it - Enduring a difficult situation with a positive attitude.
Translation: Sorrir e suportar a situação difícil.
The term "wifelike" is a combination of "wife," derived from Old English "wif," meaning woman or spouse, and "like," which indicates similarity. "Patience" comes from the Latin "patientia," meaning suffering or endurance, which evolved in Middle English to retain the connotation of endurance and resilience.