- Today's Word
Forbearance
for-BAIR-uhns
Definition
(noun) Patient self-control; restraint in the face of provocation.
Example
Her forbearance during the negotiation earned everyone’s respect.
Fun Fact
Forbearance gets a lot of attention in finance (as in mortgage forbearance) and spiritual philosophy. In Buddhism and Stoicism, it’s considered a sign of deep inner strength—not weakness. Think of it as choosing not to strike back, even when you’re capable of doing so, because the bigger goal is peace over pride.
(noun) Deep-seated hatred or hostility between people or groups.
Years of competition had grown into open enmity, making cooperation nearly impossible.
From Latin inimīcitia, meaning “hostility,” related to inimīcus (“enemy”).