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

But in between docility and pugnacity lies the pathway to effective debate moderation, and I thought Muir and Davis did a fine job walking that road on Tuesday night.

From Slate

Phil Donahue argued that the relegation of women to roles of docility was a crime in itself, but that it also was “killing our society, because we are failing to realize the potential contributions of at least half of the people who live in it.”

From Salon

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

A former TikTok executive has filed a lawsuit against the social media platform, alleging she was retaliated against and fired from her position because the company’s owners in China determined she “lacked the docility and meekness” required of female employees.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• acquiescence
• conformity
• deference
• orderliness
• reverence