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obedience

oh-BEE-dee-unss /oʊˈbiːdiəns/

nounB2IELTS

neutraleducational

Compliance with an order, request, law, or submission to another's authority; in animals, reliable responsiveness to training commands.

Crucial foundation for all working animals to ensure public safety and task execution under distracting environments.

The story behind the word. Rooted in Latin 'oboedire', composed of 'ob-' (toward) and 'audire' (to hear). True obedience originally meant 'giving ear to' or listening attentively—a fitting description of a working dog straining its ears for the handler's whisper.

Word relationships

compliance: Compliance means conforming to rules, while obedience emphasizes active response to a leader's direction.

disobedience: Refusal or failure to obey orders or rules.
defiance: Open, resistant rebellion against authority.

Commonly confused with

submission: Submission implies yielding out of fear or force, whereas working obedience is built on willing cooperation.

Word family

obey (verb): To carry out a command or instruction.
obedient (adjective): Complying willingly with orders.

Collocations

obedience training
strict obedience
obedience school
basic obedience

Idioms & expressions

blind obedience

Example sentences

"The German Shepherd scored flawless marks in the obedience competition, demonstrating instant response to verbal commands." Animal training competition
"Basic obedience is the mandatory foundation before a young canine can proceed to advanced service task training." Service animal certification

Memory hook

O-BEDI-ence means giving your full AUDI-ence (listening) to orders. Obedience = Attentive listening and response.

When not to use

Avoid using 'obedience' to imply robotic cruelty; in animal behavior, it reflects clear communication and mutual trust.

Fun facts

In working dog trials, dogs are tested for 'off-leash obedience' near tempting distractions like food, squeaky toys, and other animals.