Definition
Docile refers to a person or animal that is easily manageable, submissive, or trainable.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Synonyms
tractable, submissive, obedient, compliant, malleable, manageable, meek, mild, amenable, gentle, pliant.
Antonyms
Headstrong, defiant, rebellious, unmanageable, obstinate, stubborn, willful, uncooperative, intractable, recalcitrant.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | docility, docilities |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | docile |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The docile elephant allowed the trainer to guide it through the circus performance without any resistance.
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It was easy to train the docile puppy to obey commands such as sit and stay.
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With a docile temperament, the child listened to his teacher attentively and followed instructions obediently.
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Despite being wild animals, these deer seem to be docile and comfortable with human presence in the park.
Usage
Docile is a commonly used adjective in English language that is often used to describe individuals or creatures who are easily trained, obedient, and submissive. The word has its roots in the Latin word ‘docilis’ which means, ‘teachable’ or ‘apt to learn’.
The word docile is known for its versatility in use. It is widely applied in various contexts from training animals to discipline children. For instance, a dog that is docile can be taught numerous tricks and maneuvers, and thus be able to perform them effectively. Similarly, a docile child is likely to be easier to discipline and guide, follow rules, and learn new ideas and concepts.
The word docile can also be used in negative connotations. This can be seen when someone is described as having a ‘docile mind’ meaning that they are easily swayed to do what others want without much resistance. This can also refer to people who lack the courage to stand up for themselves or their beliefs.
Prefixes and suffixes can be added to docile to create new words. For example, ‘undocile’ means unmanageable or stubborn, which is the opposite of a docile person or animal. The word ‘docility’ is the noun form of docile, and ‘docilize’ is the verb form of the word.
In conclusion, the word docile is a common English adjective that is employed to describe individuals or creatures who are trainable, obedient, and submissive. The versatility of the word makes it applicable in various contexts, and it can be paired with word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to create varying meanings.