Obedience: meaning, definitions and examples

Obedience is often used in contexts where rules, orders, or authority are followed. It implies a sense of duty or moral obligation.

• The soldier's obedience to orders was commendable.
• Children are taught the importance of obedience from a young age.

Compliance is frequently used in a legal, regulatory, or corporate context. It refers to adhering to set standards, laws, or requirements.

• The company's compliance with safety regulations ensured a safe work environment.
• Compliance with GDPR is mandatory for all companies handling EU citizens' data.

Submissiveness refers to a tendency to yield to the will of others, often seen as a personality trait. It typically has a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of assertiveness.

• Her submissiveness made her an easy target for manipulation.
• Submissiveness in the workplace can be perceived as a lack of confidence.

Submission often refers to yielding to a more dominant or authoritative force. It can imply giving up control or power and has a neutral to negative connotation.

• The general's submission to the enemy was seen as a strategic move.
• Her submission to his demands demonstrated her willingness to cooperate.

Use this word when referring to following rules, commands, or laws, often in a hierarchical setting. It's commonly used in formal contexts like the military, workplaces, or religious settings.

• The soldier's obedience to orders impressed his superiors.
• Children must learn obedience to their parents and teachers.

This word is appropriate when talking about strong love or commitment to a person, cause, or activity. It can also be used in religious contexts to describe deep religious commitment.

• Her devotion to her family is truly inspiring.
• He showed great devotion to his work, staying late every night.

This word is most appropriate in religious contexts, describing respect and reverence for a higher power and religious practices. It often implies devoutness and strict observance of religious duties.

• Her piety was evident in her daily prayers and charitable works.
• The monk's piety was known throughout the village.

Use this word when referring to loyalty and maintaining constant support or allegiance to someone or something. It's often used in relationships, friendships, and duties.

• Their faithfulness to each other has kept their marriage strong for years.
• The dog's faithfulness to its owner was unshakable.

Used when someone follows rules or instructions from someone in authority without asking questions.

• The dog's obedience to its owner was impressive
• Children are often taught obedience to their parents and teachers

Used to describe a process of teaching or learning specific skills or behaviors through practice and instruction. This term is neutral and is often seen in the context of acquiring new skills or improving performance.

• The new recruits underwent intensive training
• Training a dog requires patience and consistency

Used to describe a method or practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, sometimes using punishment to correct disobedience. It can also refer to self-control and order in one’s actions.

• The coach believed in discipline and strict training
• Maintaining discipline in the classroom is essential for effective learning

Used in psychology and behavior science to describe a process by which someone or something learns to respond in a certain way due to repeated exposure to stimuli. This term can have a technical or neutral connotation.

• The dog was able to sit on command through conditioning
• Pavlov's dogs are a famous example of conditioning in action