French Conversation · Level 90
58 words
French word
docile
Pronunciation
IPA/dosil/
Meaning
- adjectiveobedient
Example
Le chien est docile.
The dog is obedient.
More examples
En classe, cet élève est très docile.
In class, this student is very obedient.
Core concept
A cooperative person or animal that is easy to guide and train.
Common phrases
être docile
be obedient
un enfant docile
an obedient child
Similar words
obéissant: Willing to follow instructions and carry out what is requested.
sage: Calm and well-behaved, with a tendency to follow rules and heed warnings.
accommodant: Ready to adapt to other people's wishes or requests.
soumis: Inclined to put others' wishes before personal views and comply with them.
Definition in French
Se dit d'un individu ou d'un animal qui se laisse guider, qui répond facilement aux consignes et qui n'oppose pas de résistance.
Word origin
French inherited docile from Latin docilis, meaning "teachable," which was built from docere, "to teach," before acquiring its broader modern sense.
Usage tips
- Docile describes receptiveness to guidance, whereas obéissant focuses more directly on carrying out an order.
Other meanings
- compliantadjective
- tameadjective
- manageableadjective
Opposites
- indociledisobedientadjective
- rebellerebelliousadjective
Related words
- docilitéobediencenoun
- docilementobedientlyadverb