Docilely: meaning, definitions and examples

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docilely

 

[ ˈdɒsaɪli ]

Adverb
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?

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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

Translations of the word "docilely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dócilmente

🇮🇳 मृदुता से

🇩🇪 fügsam

🇮🇩 dengan patuh

🇺🇦 покірно

🇵🇱 ulegle

🇯🇵 おとなしく

🇫🇷 docilement

🇪🇸 dócilmente

🇹🇷 itaatkâr

🇰🇷 유순하게

🇸🇦 بطاعة

🇨🇿 poslušně

🇸🇰 poslušne

🇨🇳 温顺地

🇸🇮 pokorno

🇮🇸 hlýðinn

🇰🇿 тіл алғыш

🇬🇪 დამჯერი

🇦🇿 itaətkar

🇲🇽 dócilmente

Etymology

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.

See also: docile, docility.