docile

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/ˈdoʊsaɪl/
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Easily taught, gentle, and willing to obey.

Examples

  • His docile nature made him easy to persuade during the meeting.
  • The docile puppy followed every command without hesitation.
  • Even the wild horse became docile after a few weeks of training.
  • She prefers docile students because they absorb lessons quickly.
  • In the debate, her docile response was seen as yielding to the opponent.

Similar words

amenable
submissive
meek
tame
obedient
tractable
compliant

Meanings

Easily taught or handled

adjective
education
neutral
Ready to be taught, managed, or controlled; quiet and submissive.

Examples

  • The docile rabbit hopped calmly across the garden.
  • She prefers docile students because they absorb lessons quickly.
  • Even the wild horse became docile after a few weeks of training.
  • His docile nature made him easy to persuade during the meeting.
  • Critics called the politician's docile stance a sign of weakness.
  • The docile puppy followed every command without hesitation.
  • In the debate, her docile response was seen as yielding to the opponent.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin docilis “readily taught,” derived from docēre “to teach” plus the adjective suffix -ilis.

FAQ

What does docile mean?

It means easily taught, gentle, and willing to obey.

Is docile an adjective or a noun?

It is an adjective.

In what contexts is docile used?

It is used to describe people, animals, or things that are quiet, submissive, and easy to manage.

What is the register of docile?

Its register is neutral.

What are some synonyms for docile?

Synonyms include obedient, compliant, tractable, submissive, tame, meek, and amenable.

What is the opposite of docile?

The opposite is stubborn.

How is docile related to education?

In education it refers to someone who is ready to be taught or managed.

Where does the word docile come from?

It comes from Latin docilis, from docēre ‘to teach’ plus the suffix -ilis.

Can docile describe a person or an animal?

Yes, it can describe both a person and an animal.

Is docile a formal or informal word?

It is a neutral-register word, not especially formal or informal.

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