obedience
oh-BEE-dee-unss
/əˈbiːdiəns/
The act of following instructions or commands given by an authority figure, such as a trainer.
In animal training, it refers to a structured discipline where the animal performs specific tasks on command, rather than just 'being good.'
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'ob-' (toward) and 'audire' (to hear). It literally means to 'give ear' to someone, suggesting that true obedience begins with the act of listening closely to a command.
Word relationships
- docility: Docility implies a passive, quiet nature, whereas obedience is an active response to commands.
- defiance: Defiance is an active refusal to obey, while disobedience might just be a lack of understanding.
Commonly confused with
- compliance: Obedience is the general habit of following rules; compliance is the specific act of yielding to a request.
Word family
- obey (verb): To follow a command.
- obedient (adjective): Willing to obey.
Collocations
- obedience school
- blind obedience
- obedience training
Example sentences
- "The German Shepherd excelled in the obedience trials, completing every command with precision." Professional dog training standards.
Memory hook
To have OBEDIENCE, the dog must first be ABLE to listen (AUDIENCE/AUDIRE). Listen to lead.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to an animal's general personality; use 'temperament' instead.
Fun facts
- The first formal obedience trials for dogs were held in the UK in the 1920s.
Related words
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