forbearance

1. The act of refraining from exercising a legal right, especially enforcing the payment of a debt.

   synonyms:patiencetolerance

2. The quality of being patient and not reacting to provocation.

   synonyms:self-controlrestraint

Late Middle English: from Old French 'forbearance', from 'forbear' meaning 'to refrain from'.

Forbearance is often used in legal contexts, particularly in relation to debt agreements, but it can also apply to everyday discussions about patience and self-restraint.

While not commonly used in casual conversation, it appears frequently in legal and financial discussions.

The bank granted a period of forbearance to the borrowers who were struggling to make their payments.

His forbearance in the face of constant provocation was admirable and showed great maturity.

The landlord exercised forbearance by allowing his tenants extra time to pay their rent.

Forbearance is a fascinating word that embodies the virtues of patience and restraint. Originating from the Old French term meaning 'to refrain', it has found its way into legal vocabulary, particularly in the context of managing debts. But it also resonates in everyday life, reminding us of the importance of holding back our impulses. Next time you find yourself in a situation where you could react but choose to hold your tongue, remember the power of forbearance!