Easily taught, led, or controlled; submissive and ready to accept instruction or guidance. Often describes someone who is compliant and manageable.
From Latin 'docilis,' from 'docere' (to teach). Originally meant 'teachable' or 'capable of being taught,' but evolved to emphasize the submissive aspect of being easily instructed or controlled.
Docile comes from 'docere' (to teach) - docile people are like good students who accept all 'doctrine' without question. They're so teachable they've become almost too willing to follow instructions, like well-trained dogs.
Historically applied to women as an idealized feminine trait, implying passivity and unquestioning obedience. The gendering intensified in Victorian rhetoric valorizing female submissiveness.
Use 'cooperative,' 'receptive,' or 'compliant' instead, which describe behavior without gendered baggage or assumptions of inferiority.
["cooperative","compliant","receptive","manageable"]
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