Longanimity
[long-gə-NIM-ih-tee]
Part of speech: noun
Origin: Latin, 15th century
1.
Patience or tolerance in the face of adversity.
2.
Forbearance, long-suffering.
Examples of Longanimity in a sentence
"My mother impressed me with her longanimity in the face of my 2-year-old’s temper tantrum."
"The high school principal practiced longanimity by trading detentions in exchange for community service."
About Longanimity
“Longanimity” is based on the Latin “longanimitās,” meaning “patient” or “forbearing.”
Did you Know?
Television loves characters that embody extreme longanimity: Think of the infinitely patient Leslie Higgins on “Ted Lasso,” the adorably unflappable Jerry Gergich on “Parks and Recreation,” or the maniacally uncomplaining Ned Flanders on “The Simpsons.” Especially on shows such as these comedies, with over-the-top personalities, a character radiating longanimity makes a hilarious counterpoint and foil for extreme behavior. This calls back to the vaudevillian comedy tradition of a “straight man,” or a comedian who keeps a straight face and deadpan composure in order to contrast the eccentric and bizarre behavior of another.
