long-sufferance

Long-sufferance is an outdated term for long–suffering—the patient endurance of negative situations without complaint. It can refer to a quality, an ability, or an instance of such endurance.

The term is considered an archaic version of long-suffering, meaning it was commonly used in an earlier time but is rare in current usage.

Long-suffering is often used in situations in which someone has endured pain, injury, illness, hardship, tragedy, or difficulty in accomplishing something. In religious contexts, it’s discussed as a virtue, especially one involving being patient and slow to get angry. A close synonym is forbearance.

The term long-suffering is also commonly used as an adjective to describe someone who patiently endures negative situations for long periods of time without complaining.

Example: The text describes several virtues that are considered the most important, including steadfastness and long-sufferance.

The first records of the term long-sufferance come from around 1400. It uses the word sufferance in the way that we now use suffering (but sufferance is no longer used this way). In long-sufferance, it isn’t necessarily used in the sense of experiencing agonizing physical or emotional pain. It can refer to this, but the suffering experienced isn’t necessarily this intense.

Long-suffering can be used in a range of situations, ranging from patiently tolerating annoyances to enduring long periods of serious illness. However, long-sufferance has traditionally been used in more serious situations, or in religious discussion of virtues.

What are some synonyms for long-sufferance?

• long-suffering
• forbearance
• endurance
• patience

What are some words that share a root or word element with long-sufferance? 

• long
• sufferance
• suffer

What are some words that often get used in discussing long-sufferance?

• endure
• virtue
• withstand
• pain
• hardship
• injury
• illness

Long-sufferance is rarely used today, but it’s modern synonym long-suffering is common.

Let’s just say that as a parent, I have a new appreciation for her long-sufferance

— Anne Thériault (@anne_theriault) May 11, 2019

When that Oneness is broken; only by long-sufferance shall you bring back harmony.

— Sojourner (@IkechukwuRomeo) July 19, 2020

The idea that the pope (alone) had to apologize for that incident is absurd but long-sufferance is a Christian virtue. https://t.co/nP04gib8qU

— Obukwel (@Obukwel) January 2, 2020

Which of the following terms is a synonym of long-sufferance?

A. long-suffering
B. forbearance
C. endurance
D. all of the above