obedience

pronunciation

How to pronounce obedience in British English: UK [əˈbiːdiəns] word uk audio image

How to pronounce obedience in American English: US [oʊˈbidiəns] word us audio image

Noun:

the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
the trait of being willing to obey
behavior intended to please your parents

Word Origin

obedience (n.): c. 1200, "submission to a higher power or authority," from Old French obedience "obedience, submission" (12c.) and directly from Latin oboedientia "obedience," noun of quality from oboedientem (nominative oboediens); see obedient. In reference to dog training from 1930.

Synonym

n.

ingratiation servility subservience obsequiousness cringing self-abasement self-surrender

n.

submissiveness pliancy tractability gentleness observance timidity respect respectfulness docility submission reverence adaptability meekness compliance acquiescence deference

Antonym

n.

resistance disobedience

Example

1. He demanded obedience from his inferiors .

2. A foreign enemy makes it easier to demand unity and obedience .

3. State television interpreted this as a sign of obedience .

4. Patriotism never demands obedience to the state but rather obedience to the principles of liberty .

5. A political culture of corruption , prestige projects and top-down obedience could be hindering china 's scientific revolution .

more: >How to Use "obedience" with Example Sentences