obedient
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of obedient
1175–1225; Middle English < Old French < Latin oboedient- (stem of oboediēns ), present participle of oboedīre to obey; see -ent
Explanation
If you always do what you’re told, you can be described as obedient. Authority figures love to have obedient followers. When you realize that the word obedient comes from a Latin word meaning “to obey,” it’s easy to remember what obedient means. Use obedient to describe someone who knows the rules, toes the line, and follows instructions. The word can refer to people (an obedient student), a group (obedient citizens), or even animals (an obedient dog).
Vocabulary lists containing obedient
Dog Vocabulary: A Canine Lexicon
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Two Kinds"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Drama
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some signs read “We Are Obedient To The Leader,” referring to 83-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say over all matters of state in the country.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2022
Ms. Clyne has said she was part of the secret women’s group inside Nxivm called DOS, an acronym for a Latin phrase meaning “Lord/Master of the Obedient Female Companions.”
From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2020
Cusack tweeted that he eventually stood up “just not on que - like an Obedient pet.”
From Fox News • May 23, 2019
Obedient and gifted, Asunta did not fit the profile of a victim of this kind of crime.
From The Guardian • Feb. 2, 2016
Obedient to his wishes, Lupita kept to the park.
From "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
