docility

[ do-sil-i-tee, doh- ]

noun

1. the fact or quality of being easily handled, managed, or led; meek and unquestioning obedience or compliance:

   Their whole military system rewards docility and conformity and punishes dynamism and adherence to strong convictions.

   In contrast to the productive but stubborn Brown Swiss breed, Helvetica cows are known for their docility.

2. willingness to learn or be taught or to accept direction; receptivity or openness:

   May this Pentecost create a new docility to the Spirit, within each of us as individuals and within the corporate Body of the Church.

Word History and Origins

Origin of docility¹

First recorded in 1550–60; docil(e) ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Example Sentences

Breeders also value posture, hoof solidity, docility, maternal ability and beauty.

From Seattle Times

We were selecting dogs for docility and tameness, but these traits were genetically linked to the tail-wagging behavior.

From Science Magazine

It also means to tear away the stereotypical veil of docility and propriety in which such characters have too often been presented, to the extent that they’ve been presented at all.

From Los Angeles Times

What Republicans seem most amazed by is the docility of Democrats in the face of Mr. Biden’s obvious weaknesses.

From New York Times

Corporations’ ability to put through price increases derives from more than consumer docility.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquiescence
• conformity
• deference
• orderliness
• reverence