What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tame
Example
The zookeeper was able to tame the lion after months of training. [tame: verb]
Example
The party was a bit too wild, so we decided to tame it down a bit. [tame: phrasal verb]
Example
The storm had weakened and was now tame compared to its earlier intensity. [tame: adjective]
docile
Example
The horse was docile and responded well to its rider's commands. [docile: adjective]
Example
She was a docile child who always did what she was told. [docile: adjective]
Example
The new software was docile and easy to use, even for beginners. [docile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tame is more commonly used than docile in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. However, docile is still a useful word to know, especially when describing people or animals that are easily managed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tame and docile?
Both tame and docile are relatively formal words, but docile may be slightly more formal due to its Latin origin and more limited usage.
