Docile

mediumNeutral tone

DOS-ul

adjective

Definition

Easily taught, submissive, and obedient

Memory hook

DOCILE from DOCERE (teach) — easy to teach because they're submissive and obedient.

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Word roots

docereto teach(Latin)

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Examples

The docile student followed instructions without question and completed all assignments promptly.
Unlike his aggressive siblings, the younger pup was remarkably docile and easy to train.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

The ______ student followed instructions without question and completed all assignments promptly.
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docile

Synonyms

complianttractableamenablesubmissive

Antonyms

Categories

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GRE Tip

Docile is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "compliant" or "tractable" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "recalcitrant".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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