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Obediently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obediently

[ษ™หˆbiหdiษ™ntli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

following instructions

In a manner that shows a willingness to comply with the commands or wishes of others.

Synonyms

compliantly, dutifully, submissively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obediently

This word is best used to describe someone following orders or instructions without question. It implies acting in a way that conforms with what is expected or commanded, often in a positive light.

  • The dog sat obediently when its owner gave the command
  • The children lined up obediently for their teacher
compliantly

This word is typically used in contexts where someone is adhering to rules, regulations, or requests without resistance. It suggests a willingness to conform or agree, often used in formal or administrative settings.

  • The employees filled out the forms compliantly
  • She compliantly followed the new company policy
submissively

This word is best used in situations where someone yields to someone elseโ€™s authority or control in a manner that suggests a lack of resistance. It often carries a negative connotation, implying passivity or a lack of personal will.

  • The employee listened submissively to the boss's critique
  • She nodded submissively, afraid to argue back
dutifully

This word is appropriate when someone is performing tasks or responsibilities from a sense of duty or obligation. It conveys a sense of doing what is expected out of a sense of responsibility.

  • He dutifully completed his homework every night
  • The soldier stood guard dutifully despite the harsh weather

Examples of usage

  • She nodded obediently when her boss gave her new tasks.
  • The dog sat obediently when its owner commanded it to.
Context #2 | Adverb

obeying authority

In a way that indicates submission to authority or rules.

Synonyms

compliantly, dutifully, submissively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obediently

Used when someone follows instructions or orders willingly and without questioning authority.

  • The dog sat obediently when its owner gave the command.
  • She obediently followed her teacher's instructions during the test.
compliantly

Used when someone follows rules, regulations, or instructions, often in a way that meets external standards or expectations.

  • The machinery was shut down compliantly with safety regulations.
  • He compliantly filled out the required paperwork.
submissively

Used when someone yields to the authority or control of another, often with a connotation of weakness or lack of resistance. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • She nodded submissively to her boss's harsh comments.
  • The servant bowed submissively before the king.
dutifully

Used when someone performs tasks or follows instructions out of a sense of duty or responsibility.

  • She dutifully visited her grandmother every Sunday.
  • He dutifully completed the chores assigned to him.

Examples of usage

  • The students lined up obediently when the teacher asked them to.
  • The soldier saluted obediently in response to the officer's command.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People tend to be more obedient in structured environments, such as schools or workplaces, due to clear authority figures.
  • Obedience can be influenced by social and cultural norms, leading individuals to follow rules without questioning them.
  • Studies show that individuals may obey instructions even when they conflict with personal morals, highlighting the power of authority.

Education

  • In classrooms, obedient behavior can lead to a more orderly learning environment and can help teachers manage groups effectively.
  • Teaching children to be obedient often involves reinforcement, praise when good behavior is exhibited, and consequences for misbehavior.
  • Educational theories suggest that fostering obedience can sometimes stifle creativity and independent thinking in students.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, obedience is seen as a virtue, emphasizing respect for elders and authority figures.
  • Ritual obedience plays a role in various religious practices, where followers perform specific actions or traditions as acts of faith.
  • Conversely, in certain modern societies, there's a growing emphasis on questioning authority and encouraging individual expression over blind obedience.

Literature

  • In many classic stories, obedient characters often symbolize loyalty, while disobedient ones might represent rebellion or transformation.
  • Fables frequently illustrate the consequences of both obedience and disobedience, teaching moral lessons through animal characters.
  • The theme of obedience versus disobedience is prevalent in works like Shakespeare's plays, offering a reflection on human nature and societal rules.

Origin of 'obediently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'obedient' comes from the Latin 'obedientem', meaning 'to listen to, to obey'.
  • In Old French, 'obeir' meant 'to obey', which is closely related to the modern English form.
  • The suffix 'ly' is used to turn adjectives into adverbs, showing the manner of an action.

The word 'obediently' is derived from the Middle English word 'obedient', which comes from the Old French word 'obeissant', ultimately from the Latin word 'obediens', meaning 'obeying'. The concept of obedience has been valued in various cultures throughout history, often associated with respect for authority and adherence to rules.

See also: disobey, disobeying, obedience, obedient, obey.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,566, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.