forbearing means forbearance; restraint. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 80 out of 100.
Why “forbearing” is a great word
FORBEARING — [Adjective] Characterized by patient tolerance and restraint, especially when provoked. From Middle English forbering, forberyng, equivalent to forbear (from Old English forberan, “to endure, tolerate”) + -ing (forming the present participle/adjective). Unlike "lenient," which suggests a deliberate relaxing of standards, or "resigned," which implies passive, defeated acceptance, forbearing is an active and virtuous holding of the self in check. It is the measured breath taken before a sharp reply, the gentle correction of a repeated error, and the steady hand that refuses to strike back—a quiet triumph of will over instinct, forging dignity from mere endurance.
Etymology
From Middle English forbering, forberyng, vorberinge, equivalent to forbear + -ing.
noun
- forbearance; restraint“"As God's forbearing to create more worlds than he has, is no impeachment of his omnipotence: so his forbearing to save as many as he might, is no impeachment of his infinite mercy."”
adj
- Characterized by patience and indulgence; long-suffering“a forbearing temper”