Docile: meaning, definitions and examples

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docile

[ˈdɑːsaɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in behavior

easily managed or controlled; submissive

Synonyms

compliant, obedient, submissive, tractable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
docile	Use 'docile' to describe someone or something that is easy to teach, manage, or control, often in a positive manner. 'The dog was very docile and eager to learn new tricks ' 'The docile student followed the teacher’s instructions carefully '
obedient	Use 'obedient' to describe someone who follows commands, rules, or instructions, typically in a restrained or disciplined manner. 'The obedient child did everything his parents asked without complaining ' 'Soldiers are expected to be obedient to their superiors '
compliant	Use 'compliant' when referring to someone who readily agrees to follow rules, requests, or standards. The term often implies a positive willingness to adhere. 'The company was compliant with environmental regulations ' 'She was compliant with her doctor's advice and took the medication as prescribed '
submissive	Use 'submissive' when talking about someone who is willing to yield or surrender to the will of another, often in a negative or overly compliant way. 'She was submissive to her domineering boss ' 'In the relationship, he was always the submissive partner '
tractable	Use 'tractable' to describe someone or something that is easily managed or controlled. It often suggests gentleness and manageability without negative connotations. 'The new software is more tractable than the old version ' 'The pony was so tractable that even a novice rider could handle it '

Examples of usage

She had a docile and obedient dog.
The horse was docile and easy to handle.
The students were docile and followed the teacher's instructions.
He remained docile during the entire meeting.
The cat, usually docile, suddenly became aggressive.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in nature

tame; not aggressive

Synonyms

gentle, mild, placid, tame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
docile	Best for describing someone who is easy to teach or manage, often used for people, animals, or situations where obedience or compliance is highlighted. The new student was docile and adapted quickly to the classroom rules. The docile horse was perfect for beginners.
tame	Often used for animals that have been domesticated and are not wild. Can also describe something that is not exciting or interesting, and in such a context, it may have a slightly negative connotation. The circus featured a tame lion that performed tricks. The movie was rather tame and didn't have any thrilling moments.
gentle	Ideal for describing someone or something that is kind, soft, or tender in nature. Often used in a positive sense, emphasizing care and tenderness. She has a gentle touch that calms even the most anxious patients. The gentle breeze made the summer evening perfect.
mild	Useful for describing something that is moderate, not severe, or not extreme. Commonly used for weather, flavors, or temperament. They enjoyed the mild climate of the coastal town. The sauce was mild, not too spicy.
placid	Best for describing a calm and peaceful demeanor, often used for describing scenes, lakes, or people who are very tranquil and unruffled. The placid lake reflected the mountains perfectly. He remained placid even during the heated argument.

Examples of usage

The docile sheep peacefully grazed in the field.
The docile rabbit allowed the children to pet it.
The docile nature of the animal made it popular as a pet.

Translations

Translations of the word "docile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 docil

🇮🇳 नम्र

🇩🇪 fügsam

🇮🇩 patuh

🇺🇦 слухняний

🇵🇱 posłuszny

🇯🇵 従順な

🇫🇷 docile

🇪🇸 docil

🇹🇷 itaatkar

🇰🇷 순종적인

🇸🇦 مطاوع

🇨🇿 poslušný

🇸🇰 poslušný

🇨🇳 温顺的

🇸🇮 površen

🇮🇸 hlýðinn

🇰🇿 бағынғыш

🇬🇪 მორჩილი

🇦🇿 sözünə baxan

🇲🇽 dócil

Etymology

The word 'docile' originated from the Latin word 'docilis', which means teachable or easily led. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. The concept of being docile has been valued in various contexts throughout history, such as in education and animal training. A docile person or animal is often seen as cooperative and willing to follow instructions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,343, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18340 eczema
18341 baffle
18342 heretic
18343 docile
18344 ruthlessly
18345 shaman
18346 interstellar
...