docile

/ˈdəʊsaɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɑːsl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdä-səl also -ˌsī(-ə)l especially British ˈdō-ˌsī(-ə)l/ (ame, mw)

docile — adjective

  • docilepositive
  • docilercomparative
  • docilestsuperlative

1. quiet and willing to do what others say, without arguing or trying to resist — u

1.形容詞B2
釋義

quiet and willing to do what others say, without arguing or trying to resist — used to describe a person, animal, or group that is easy to manage because they do not cause trouble.

例句

The new puppy was so docile that it let the toddler brush its fur without moving.

docile animal accepting handling

Farid led the docile donkey along the narrow mountain path with just a rope.

docile + animal led with minimal restraint

同義詞
  • obedient

    broader; focuses on following rules or orders, not necessarily on being easy to manage overall

  • tractable

    more formal; specifically of something that can be handled or managed with ease

  • submissive

    stronger; implies giving up one's own will to another's authority, often with a sense of power imbalance

反義詞
  • stubborn

    refusing to change one's mind or do what others want

  • rebellious

    actively resisting authority or control

用法筆記

Often carries a slightly negative or limiting connotation — describing someone or something as docile can suggest a lack of spirit or independence. Frequently used of domestic animals, students, crowds, or patients.

常見錯誤

❌The dog was very docile and barked loudly at every stranger.
✅The dog was very docile and let strangers pet it without barking.
💡a docile animal is quiet and non-aggressive, not noisy or threatening.

2. ready and willing to be taught; showing a cooperative attitude toward learning a

2.形容詞C1
釋義

ready and willing to be taught; showing a cooperative attitude toward learning and instruction — used especially of students, trainees, or apprentices who absorb new information easily.

例句

Mei-Lin was the most docile student in the pottery class, eager to try every technique the teacher showed her.

docile student willing to learn

The apprentice proved docile and attentive, taking careful notes while the master explained each step.

同義詞
  • teachable

    more neutral and common in modern educational writing; focuses on ability to learn

  • compliant

    broader; applies to following rules generally, not specific to a learning setting

  • amenable

    suggests willingness to agree or be influenced, often used of personality rather than learning style

反義詞
  • recalcitrant

    formal; describes someone who resists authority or instruction

  • defiant

    openly refusing to obey, especially in a learning environment

用法筆記

In educational contexts this sense is almost always positive, praising a willingness to learn. However, in some modern teaching philosophies 'docile' can sound old-fashioned because it implies passive acceptance rather than active inquiry. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 focuses on teachability rather than general manageability.

常見錯誤

❌The docile student argued with every correction the teacher made.
✅The docile student accepted the teacher's corrections and improved quickly.
💡a docile student does not argue; they cooperate with instruction.