Docile vs. Submissive: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
“Docile” means easily taught, led, or managed, while “Submissive” implies yielding or surrendering oneself to the will of another.
Key Differences
“Docile” and “Submissive” both describe a willingness to follow orders or instructions, but they have nuanced differences. A docile person or animal is easily taught and is willing to learn or follow instructions, highlighting receptivity to guidance or control, usually because of a lack of resistance. “Submissive,” on the other hand, refers more to a yielding or surrendering of one’s will, often without regard to one’s own desires or comfort, usually implying a lower status or a relinquishing of control to another entity.
The concept of being “Docile” often carries a positive connotation, especially in educational contexts. It signifies a willingness to learn and an absence of obstinacy, facilitating smooth interaction and effective learning. In contrast, “Submissive” can have a negative connotation, implying a lack of agency or autonomy, often associated with subservience or even a sense of inferiority, where one’s own preferences and needs are secondary to those of another person or entity.
In the context of behavior and disposition, a “Docile” individual is generally compliant and manageable without necessarily being subservient, portraying a harmonious balance between willingness and autonomy. “Submissive” individuals, conversely, are often perceived as being overly compliant or acquiescent, possibly due to fear, coercion, or a desire to please, typically lacking assertiveness and often seeming to be in a state of dependency or inferiority.
While “Docile” usually implies a temperament that is naturally non-aggressive and is inclined to be cooperative, “Submissive” tends to imply a relationship dynamic where one is subjected to the authority, control, or preferences of another. A docile demeanor is often valued for its amenability and tractability, making interactions pleasant and constructive. A submissive demeanor, however, can be perceived as a reflection of power imbalance and might be seen as problematic, especially if it stems from oppression or intimidation.
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Generally positive, implies willingness to learn.
Often negative, implies lack of agency or autonomy.
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Compliance
Compliant and manageable without being subservient.
Overly compliant or acquiescent, often seems to be in a state of dependency.
Relationship
Does not necessarily imply a power imbalance.
Often reflects a power imbalance.
Disposition
Non-aggressive, cooperative temperament.
Lacking in assertiveness, subjected to the will of another.
Context
Valued in educational contexts.
Can be problematic if stemming from oppression or intimidation.
Docile and Submissive Definitions
Docile
Easily taught or managed.
The docile dog quickly learned several new commands.
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Submissive
Lacking in assertiveness; overly compliant.
She was submissive to her partner’s demands, never asserting her own needs.
Docile
Displaying a lack of resistance.
The docile horse allowed the child to pet him without fuss.
Submissive
Relinquishing control to another entity.
The submissive state surrendered its autonomy to the invading power.
Docile
Willing to learn or follow instructions.
The docile student absorbed every word of the lecture.
Submissive
Reflecting a power imbalance, often with a sense of inferiority.
The submissive posture of the defeated boxer spoke volumes.
Docile
Non-aggressive and cooperative by nature.
Her docile demeanor makes her a favorite among her colleagues.
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit.
Docile
Ready and willing to be taught; teachable.
Submissive
Obedient or passive.
Docile
Yielding to supervision, direction, or management; tractable.
Submissive
(BDSM) One who submits to a dominant partner in BDSM practices.
Docile
Ready to accept instruction or direction; obedient; subservient.
Submissive
(rare) One who submits.
Docile
Yielding to control or supervision, direction, or management.
Such literature may well be anathema to those, who are too docile and petty for their own good.
Submissive
Inclined or ready to submit; acknowledging one's inferiority; yielding; obedient; humble.
Not at his feet submissive in distress,Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking.
Docile
Teachable; easy to teach; docible.
Submissive
Showing a readiness to submit; expressing submission; as, a submissive demeanor.
With a submissive step I hasted down.
Docile
Disposed to be taught; tractable; easily managed; as, a docile child.
The elephant is at once docible and docile.
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others or showing such inclination;
Submissive servants
A submissive reply
Replacing troublemakers with more submissive people
Docile
Willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed;
The docile masses of an enslaved nation
Submissive
Willing to submit without resistance to authority; deferent
Docile
Ready and willing to be taught;
Docile pupils eager for instruction
Teachable youngsters
Submissive
Abjectly submissive; characteristic of a slave or servant;
Slavish devotion to her job ruled her life
A slavish yes-man to the party bosses
She has become submissive and subservient
Docile
Easily handled or managed;
A gentle old horse, docile and obedient
Submissive
Yielding or surrendering oneself to the will of another.
The submissive employee never voiced his own opinions in meetings.
Docile
Compliant and manageable.
The docile crowd followed the security officer’s instructions.
Submissive
Acquiescent due to fear or a desire to please.
He was submissive in the face of threats, hoping to avoid confrontation.
FAQs
Can “Submissive” have a negative connotation?
Yes, “Submissive” can have a negative connotation, implying a lack of agency or autonomy.
Does “Submissive” mean yielding to the will of another?
Yes, “Submissive” implies yielding or surrendering oneself to the will of another.
Can a submissive person seem to be in a state of dependency?
Yes, a submissive person often seems to be in a state of dependency or inferiority.
Is a docile person necessarily subservient?
No, a docile person is compliant and manageable but not necessarily subservient.
Does “Submissive” imply acquiescence due to fear or desire to please?
Yes, “Submissive” implies acquiescence often due to fear or a desire to please.
Is “Submissive” indicative of a lack of assertiveness?
Yes, “Submissive” is indicative of a lack of assertiveness and is often subjected to the will of another.
Does “Docile” mean easily taught or managed?
Yes, “Docile” means easily taught, led, or managed.
Is “Submissive” reflective of a power imbalance?
Yes, “Submissive” often reflects a power imbalance in relationships.
Is “Docile” valued in educational contexts?
Yes, “Docile” is valued in educational contexts for its implication of willingness to learn.
Is “Docile” generally a positive term?
Yes, “Docile” generally carries a positive connotation, especially in educational contexts.
Is a docile individual usually open to learning?
Yes, a docile individual is usually willing and open to learning or following instructions.
Does “Docile” imply a power imbalance?
No, “Docile” does not necessarily imply a power imbalance.
Can “Docile” refer to a non-aggressive temperament?
Yes, “Docile” usually refers to a non-aggressive and cooperative temperament.
Are “Docile” and “Submissive” synonyms?
While similar, they are not exact synonyms; “Docile” implies willingness to learn, while “Submissive” emphasizes yielding one’s will to another.
Can “Submissive” be problematic in relationships?
Yes, “Submissive” can be problematic, especially if it stems from oppression or intimidation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
