docilis

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [ˈdɔ.kɪ.lɪs]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈdɔː.t͡ʃi.lis]^[1]

Forms

docilis (neuter docile); third-declension two-termination adjective^[1]

Etymology

It is from doceō “to teach” with the suffix -ilis.^[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citation is from Nepos, of someone apt to learn.^[2] Köbler's first source is Cicero; he dates Nepos c. 100–24 BC.^[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant teachable, apt to learn, as in Nepos, and in Apuleius responsive, tractable, and of a subject that can be taught.^[2] In Martial it meant skilful.^[2]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant attentive, docile.^[5] British Medieval Latin used it for teachable and easily learnt.^[6] It survives in Italian and French docile and Spanish dócil, and through Italian or French it gave English docile in the late 15th century, “easily taught”.^[1][3]

Timeline

• c. 100–24 BC – Nepos uses it of the teachable.^[2][4]
• 40–102/103 AD – Martial uses it of the skilful.^[2][4]
• late 15th century – English docile is recorded.^[3]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Teachable.^[2]
2. Tractable, docile.^[2]
3. Skilful.^[2]
4. That can be taught.^[2]

Word family

• docilitās
• indocilis

Related words

• doceō
• doctor
• doctrīna
• doctus
• English docile

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
5. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
6. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press