docile etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: docibilis ("teachable, gentle")
  • Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European: *dōḱ- ("to teach")

Meaning:

  • Easily managed, controlled, or taught
  • Submissive, compliant, or obedient

Origin:

The word "docile" was first used in English in the 14th century, borrowed from the Latin term docibilis. The Latin word, in turn, originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *dōḱ-, which meant "to teach." This root also appears in other words related to teaching and learning, such as "doctor" and "doctrine."

The word "docile" initially meant "teachable" or "capable of being taught." It gradually came to be used more broadly to refer to anyone or anything that is easily managed, controlled, or persuaded.

Usage:

  • A docile student responds well to instruction.
  • The docile animal allowed itself to be led around.
  • The docile government implemented the new policies without resistance.
  • Docile behavior can be both a positive trait (e.g., making someone easy to work with) and a negative one (e.g., allowing others to exploit them).

docile relate terms

  • indocile

    Etymology Indocile comes from the Latin word indocilis which is composed of in p

  • docile

    Etymology Latin docibilis teachable gentle Ultimately from Proto Indo European

  • condign

    Etymology The word condign has its origins in Latin con meaning together or wi

  • dainty

    Etymology French daint delicate c 1300 Middle English deyntee dayntee c 1340 O

  • decent

    Etymology Latin decens befitting proper becoming Proto Indo European dek ri

  • decor

    Etymology The word decor comes from the Latin word decorus which means proper fi

  • decorate

    Etymology Latin decorare to adorn beautify Proto Indo European deḱ to grow

  • decorous

    Etymology Latin decorus seemly becoming Proto Indo European dek decency com

  • deign

    Etymology The word deign originates from the Old French word deignier which in turn

  • dignify

    Etymology The word dignify comes from the Latin word dignus meaning worthy or d

  • dignity

    Etymology The word dignity comes from the Latin word dignitas which means worth or

  • diplodocus

    Etymology Name Diplodocus Meaning Double beam Origin Greek words diploos double

  • disciple

    Etymology The word disciple comes from the Latin discipulus which means pupil or

  • discipline

    Etymology Latin disciplina Meaning instruction teaching training Origin discer

  • disdain

    Etymology The word disdain comes from the Old French word desdaignier meaning to

  • docent

    Etymology The word docent is derived from the Latin verb docere which means to teac

  • Docetism

    Etymology The term Docetism derives from the Greek word dokein which means to seem

  • docile

    Etymology Latin docibilis teachable gentle Ultimately from Proto Indo European

  • docimacy

    Etymology Greek δοκιμασία dokimasia testing trial Latin docimare to te

  • doctor

    Etymology The word doctor derives from the Latin word docēre meaning to teach M

  • doctrine

    Etymology The word doctrine originates from the Latin word doctrina which means tea

  • document

    Etymology The word document originates from the Latin word documentum which means p

  • dogma

    Etymology Greek dogma δόγμα meaning opinion belief decree Meaning A

  • dogmatic

    Etymology The word dogmatic originates from the Latin word dogma which means doctr

  • doxology

    Etymology From Late Latin doxologia from Greek δοξολογία doxologia from δ

  • heterodox

  • indignance

    Etymology Late Latin indignatio from Latin indignari to be indignant from Indi

  • indignant

    Etymology Indignus Latin meaning unworthy undeserving ant Suffix denoting a qual

  • indignation

    Etymology Late Latin indignatio from Latin indignus unworthy from in not dign

  • indignity

    Etymology Latin indignitas unworthiness indignity Proto Indo European dheigh

  • orthodox

    Etymology The word orthodox derives from the Greek words ortho meaning right st

  • paradox

    Etymology The word paradox originates from the Greek language para παρά mea

  • synecdoche

    Etymology and Origin The word synecdoche originates from the Greek words syn togethe

  • stubborn

    Etymology The word stubborn comes from the Middle English word stubborne which in tu

  • gentle

    Etymology Middle English gentyl from Anglo French gentil from Latin gentilis from gen

  • sheepish

    Etymology The word sheepish derives from the Middle English word sheepisch which is

  • tame

    Etymology Old English tam adjective meaning gentle tame submissive Meaning

  • meek

    Etymology Middle English meke from Old English meolc meoce meoce Proto West Germani

  • debonair

    Etymology and Meaning Origin French Meaning Characterized by grace charm and elegan

  • spaniel

    Etymology The word spaniel is derived from the Old French espaignol which means fro

  • protagonist

    Etymology The word protagonist is derived from the Greek words protos meaning fir

  • obsess

    Etymology Latin ob sessum Meaning To be preoccupied with or fixated upon a parti

  • prerogative

    Etymology Middle French prerogative from Latin praerogātīvus from praerogāre t