What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subservient
Example
The new employee was so subservient to his boss that he never questioned any of his decisions. [subservient: adjective]
Example
The country was forced to become subservient to its neighboring nation after losing the war. [subservient: adjective]
docile
Example
The puppy was so docile that it learned all its tricks in just a few days. [docile: adjective]
Example
The students were surprisingly docile during the lecture, listening attentively without causing any disruptions. [docile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Docile is more commonly used than subservient in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and a more positive connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subservient and docile?
Both subservient and docile are formal words, but subservient is more likely to be used in academic or professional contexts where precise language is required.
