docile
gb/dˈɑsəl/ us/dˈɑsəl/
B2
English
engedelmes, szófogadó, szelíd, tanulékony, könnyen tanítható
B2
1
engedelmes
B1
szófogadó
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone/animal] is docile
The trainer looked for a dog that was calm and docile around strangers.
A kiképző olyan kutyát keresett, amely idegenek közelében nyugodt és engedelmes volt.
As a child, he was quiet and docile, rarely arguing with adults.
Gyerekként csendes és engedelmes volt, ritkán vitatkozott a felnőttekkel.
The regime wanted citizens who were docile and easy to control.
Learner examples
The horse is docile.
A ló engedelmes.
She is docile and follows instructions.
Engedelmes, és követi az utasításokat.
Common mistake:
Do not use docile to mean “quiet/shy” in general; it specifically suggests being easy to control or obedient.
Meaning
easy to control or obeying
Collocations
a docile child
|a docile student
|a docile workforce
|docile behavior
|docile and obedient
|naturally docile
|remain docile
|become docile
|seem docile
|surprisingly docile
Synonyms
obedient (focuses on following rules or orders.)
|
compliant (often suggests yielding to authority or pressure.)
|
tractable (more formal; emphasizes being easy to manage or influence.)
Antonyms
defiant (actively resists control or authority.)
|
rebellious (regularly refuses to obey rules or authority.)
|
unruly (hard to control, especially in a group.)
Themes
behavior
|people
|animals
Definition
easy to control; willing to do what you are told
Willing to obey and easy for others to control or manage.
B2
2
szelíd
A2
Usage pattern:
[animal] is docile
Despite its size, the breed is known for being docile and gentle.
Mérete ellenére a fajta szelíd és gyengéd természetéről ismert.
The snake was surprisingly docile when the handler picked it up.
A kígyó meglepően szelíd volt, amikor a gondozó felvette.
Most of the animals here are docile, but you should still be careful.
Learner examples
This dog is very docile.
Ez a kutya nagyon szelíd.
The cat is docile with children.
A macska szelíd a gyerekekkel.
Common mistake:
Docile does not mean “weak” or “sick”; it describes temperament/behavior.
Meaning
gentle and not aggressive
Collocations
a docile breed
|docile temperament
|docile by nature
|generally docile
|a docile animal
|docile pets
|docile during handling
|small and docile
|docile in captivity
|docile around children
Synonyms
gentle (emphasizes kindness and soft behavior.)
|
tame (emphasizes being accustomed to humans and not wild.)
|
placid (suggests a steady calmness, often about animals or water.)
Antonyms
aggressive (ready to attack or act violently.)
|
ferocious (extremely aggressive and dangerous.)
Themes
animals
|behavior
Definition
gentle and calm; not aggressive
Calm and gentle in temperament; not likely to attack or cause trouble.
C1
3
tanulékony
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone/animal] is docile and [easy to train/teach]
They wanted new hires who were docile and easy to train on the process.
Olyan új munkatársakat kerestek, akik tanulékonyak, és könnyen betaníthatók a munkafolyamatra.
The instructor found her class unusually docile, with few interruptions.
Az oktató azt tapasztalta, hogy az osztálya szokatlanul fogékony az útmutatásra, és alig szakították félbe az órát.
Some dogs are more docile and respond faster to basic commands.
Learner examples
He is docile and easy to train.
Tanulékony, és könnyen tanítható.
Common mistake:
Docile can imply passivity; for a positive ‘eager to learn’ meaning, words like attentive or motivated may fit better.
Meaning
easy to teach or train
Collocations
docile and trainable
|docile learners
|docile apprentices
|docile students
|a docile pupil
|more docile
|easily docile
|docile under instruction
|docile in training
|docile in the classroom
Synonyms
teachable (focuses on being able and willing to learn.)
|
trainable (focuses on responding well to training.)
|
manageable (emphasizes ease of handling rather than learning.)
Antonyms
uncooperative (refuses to work with instruction or guidance.)
|
headstrong (insists on doing things their own way.)
Themes
education
|work
|behavior
Definition
easy to teach or train
Quick to accept instruction or training; easy to guide into learning or doing what is required.
Grammar
Dictionary form
docile
IPA
GB/dˈɑsəl/
US/dˈɑsəl/
Syllables & stress
do - cile (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (do)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: docile
Word family
Core family
docility
noun
Related words
docilely
adverb C1
Expressions
as docile as a lamb
1/ˈæz dˈɑsəl ˈæz ə lˈæm/
fixed phrase
very gentle and obedient
very gentle and easy to control
Examples
- At the vet, the usually nervous dog was as docile as a lamb.
- Once he realized he was safe, he became as docile as a lamb.
- She expected a struggle, but the child was as docile as a lamb.
Learner examples
- After the bath, the puppy was as docile as a lamb.