Vocabulary in context
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Docile
Ready and willing to be taught or controlled; easily taught and compliant.
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Imagine This
Picture a well-behaved puppy in a classroom: it sits calmly, listens to every command, and learns new tricks quickly without resistance.
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Sounds Like
DOS-uhl
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Remember This
The root comes from Latin docilis meaning teachable, from docere 'to teach'. The word conveys willingness to be taught, not weakness.
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Other Forms
docilitynoun
docilelyadverb
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Connect With
teachable, compliant, obedient, tractable, amenable
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Note
Docile describes people or animals that are obedient and teachable. It does not imply passive loss of autonomy in all contexts; a docile learner still engages when guided.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The docile puppy learned basic commands in just a week.
- A good mentor seeks to cultivate a docile attitude in new employees by encouraging questions and feedback.
Synonyms
teachablecompliantobedienttractableamenable
Antonyms
stubbornwillfulrecalcitrant
Etymology
From Latin docilis meaning teachable, from docere 'to teach'; entered English via Old French.
Mnemonic
DOCILE stands for Demonstrate, Observe, Conform, Instruct, Learn Easily.
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Ascertain
verbTo find out or determine something with certainty through careful investigation or analysis.
Discipline
noun1) Training or exercise intended to produce obedience, self-control, and orderly behavior; 2) a branch or field of study; 3) self-control or restraint in thoughts and actions.
Truncate
verbTo shorten something by cutting off a part of it.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Compliant
adjectiveWilling to comply with rules, requests, or authority; ready to yield to others' wishes and conform to standards.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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