Docilely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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docilely

[ˈdɒsaɪli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a submissive or obedient manner

Behaving in a docilely manner, the dog followed all of the trainer's commands without hesitation. The students listened docilely to their teacher's instructions.

Synonyms

compliantly, obediently, submissively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
docilely	Used when describing someone who is easily managed or willing to be led, often with a sense of gentleness or passivity. The dog followed its owner docilely through the park. She accepted the new rules docilely, without any protest.
submissively	Used when someone shows a readiness to yield to the authority or will of others, often implying a lack of assertiveness and potential negative connotations. He nodded submissively, afraid to voice his opinion. The prisoner acted submissively in front of the guards.
obediently	Best used when describing someone who follows orders or instructions, often with a sense of duty or respect for authority. The soldiers marched obediently under their commander's orders. She obediently did her homework as soon as she got home.
compliantly	Appropriate when someone acquiesces to requests or rules without resistance, often with a sense of meeting expectations or following instructions. The employee complied with the company's new policies compliantly. Children are expected to behave compliantly in the classroom.

Examples of usage

The toddler docilely held his mother's hand as they crossed the street.
She docilely accepted the criticism and tried to improve her work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In psychology, docility can be linked to certain personality traits, where individuals are more compliant and agreeable.
Some studies suggest that docile behavior can be context-dependent, often influenced by cultural norms or upbringing.
Excessive docility in individuals may be a sign of low self-esteem, where a person may not assert their needs or desires.

Literature

Many characters in literature are described as docile, often highlighting themes of control, passivity, or submissiveness.
In George Orwell's 'Animal Farm,' the docility of the sheep reflects their unquestioning loyalty and blind obedience to authority.
Authors often use docile characters to explore the tension between authority and resistance, questioning societal structures.

Cultural Insights

In some cultures, being docile is valued as a sign of respect and harmony, particularly in collectivist societies.
Conversely, in more individualistic cultures, being too docile may be viewed negatively, as it might suggest lack of ambition.
Docility is frequently depicted in classical art, where figures embody calmness and serenity, symbolizing ideal traits.

Animal Behavior

Many domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, tend to display docile behavior towards their owners, showing trust and companionship.
Certain breeds of animals are genetically predisposed to be more docile, which makes them easier to train and socialize.
In wildlife studies, docile animals often have different survival strategies compared to their more aggressive counterparts.

Origin of 'docilely'

Main points about word origin

'Docilely' comes from the Latin word 'docilis,' which means 'easily taught or led.'
The suffix '-ly' is commonly used in English to turn adjectives into adverbs, showing how an action is performed.
The root word 'docile' appeared in English in the 15th century and has been a part of educational and behavioral discussions since.

The word 'docilely' is derived from the adjective 'docile', which comes from the Latin word 'docilis' meaning 'easily taught'. The concept of being docile dates back to ancient educational practices where individuals were encouraged to be submissive and obedient in their learning. Over time, 'docilely' has come to represent the adverb form of this trait, describing actions that are compliant and submissive in nature.