Obedient
/əˈbiːdiənt/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Obedient describes a person, animal, or thing that listens carefully and does what they are told. It shows respect for rules or commands and usually means acting in a way others expect or require.
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See It in Action
Ready to follow orders or rules
- •The obedient child always listens to their parents.
- •The dog is obedient and comes when called.
- •Soldiers must be obedient to their commanders.
Showing respect by doing what is asked
- •She was obedient in completing all her homework on time.
- •The employees were obedient to the company’s policies.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "obedient" like "listen" (A1 word), but with action—it's not just hearing, but doing what you are told
- ✓Picture a dog sitting quietly when its owner says "sit"—the dog is obedient because it follows the command
- ✓It's the feeling when you follow your parents' or teacher's instructions without saying no or arguing
- ✓Sounds like "oh-BEE-dee-ent" → imagine a busy bee that always follows the queen bee's orders perfectly
- ✓Think of stories where a hero follows the wise teacher's advice carefully to succeed
- ✓NOT like "disobedient" (does not follow rules or orders), obedient means agreeing and cooperating
- ✓NOT like "stubborn" (refuses to change), obedient means ready to accept and act on instructions
- ✓NOT like "independent" (doing what you want), obedient means doing what others ask or say
Try Other Words
- •Dutiful: doing what is expected or required (Use when emphasizing responsibility and duty)
- •Submissive: ready to accept control or authority (Use when emphasizing giving up control, sometimes with less choice)
- •Well-behaved: acting properly, following rules (Use in contexts about manners or behavior, especially with children or animals)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ob-" (toward) + "ede" (from Latin "audire" meaning to hear, listen) + "-ient" (adjective suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "obedientem," meaning "listening, paying attention, complying"
- •Historical development: Used from the late 14th century to describe someone who listens and follows orders or advice
- •Modern usage: Describes people, animals, or things that follow commands, rules, or instructions willingly
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think being obedient is important in some situations but not in others?
•Can someone be obedient and still have their own ideas or feelings? How?
Fill in the blanks
1.The obedient dog always ___ when its owner gives a command.
2.Children are expected to be obedient ___ their parents and teachers.
3.Unlike a stubborn person, an obedient person ___ rules without arguing.
4.She was obedient ___ finishing her homework before playing outside.
5.If someone is not obedient, they might be called ___.
6.Being obedient helps a team work well because everyone ___ the leader’s instructions.
7.The soldier’s obedient behavior showed ___ to the country’s laws.