Engedelmes

Engedelmes is a Hungarian adjective meaning obedient, compliant, or submissive. It is used to describe a person, an animal, or a system that readily follows commands, rules, or authority. In everyday language it can carry positive connotations (a well-behaved child, a docile animal) or neutral descriptions; in some contexts, however, excessive submissiveness may be viewed negatively.

The term is connected to related forms such as engedelmesség, the noun for obedience, and engedelmeskedik, the verb meaning to obey or comply. The opposite form is engedetlen (disobedient) and engedetlenkedő (unruly). The word often appears in phrases like engedelmes gyerek (an obedient child), engedelmes dolgozó (a compliant employee), or engedelmes állat (a docile animal). In contemporary usage, engedelmes is sometimes weighed against independence, initiative, or critical thinking, particularly in discussions about parenting or education.

Etymology generally ties engedelmes to the concept of yielding to authority or rules, with the broader semantic field of obedience underpinning its meaning. The term is primarily used within Hungarian language contexts and is less common in other languages without direct translation.

See also: engedelmeskedik, engedelmesség, engedetlenség, szófogadó.