Question

Paul seems to know everyone in this town, and is always amenable to a chat when I run into him. Paul's father, a docile man, works with him at the bookstore.

Which statement best explains the nuance between amenable and docile?

Answer 1

"Amenable" means agreeable or open to suggestion — someone who willingly cooperates (Paul happily chats when approached). "Docile" means submissive or easily managed — someone who follows others' direction with little resistance (Paul's father is passive and compliant). In short: amenable = willingly cooperative; docile = passively obedient.