Etymologically
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docilis

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 16:03. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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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

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