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docile

docile, obedient

adjective doh-SEEL Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Personality

Origin: Latin docilis (easily taught)

Usage Note

Docile describes people, animals, or even materials that are easy to manage or shape. It is the same form for masculine and feminine. The noun docilité means 'docility', and the adverb docilement ('obediently') is used in formal registers. It rarely carries a pejorative tone in French.

Examples

"Cet enfant est très docile en classe."

Natural Translation

This child is very obedient in class.

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