Meaning & use
disciplined
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“disciplined” is a form of “discipline”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Showing controlled, orderly behavior that results from training or self-control.
Grammar: Can be used before a noun (a disciplined student) or after a linking verb (she is disciplined).
Patterns
- a disciplined person
- be disciplined about something
- highly disciplined
She is very disciplined about her study schedule.
The team remained disciplined even under pressure.
A disciplined approach to saving helped him buy a house.
adjectivecomparable
Trained to obey rules and behave in an orderly way, especially in a military or school setting.
Grammar: Often used for groups or individuals who follow rules consistently.
Patterns
- a disciplined army
- well-disciplined troops
The soldiers were highly disciplined and followed every order.
The school expects students to be disciplined in class.
Word forms
| comparative | more disciplined |
|---|---|
| superlative | most disciplined |
Common combinations
- highly disciplined
- He is highly disciplined about waking up early.
- self-disciplined
- Self-disciplined learners can study without reminders.
- disciplined approach
- They took a disciplined approach to the project.
- disciplined mind
- A disciplined mind can focus for hours.
Synonyms and how they differ
- controlled
- Emphasizes restraint of emotions or actions, while disciplined stresses training and consistent self-control.
- orderly
- Describes neat, organized behavior or arrangement; disciplined often implies effort and rule-following over time.
- strict
- Usually describes rules imposed on others, not self-control; a strict teacher enforces rules, a disciplined student follows them.
Opposites
Word family
- discipline noun
- Controlled behavior or training that produces it.
- discipline verb
- To train someone to obey rules or punish them for breaking them.
- disciplinary adjective
- Relating to punishment or correction.
Commonly confused: disciplined or strict?
disciplined vs strict
Strict describes rules or people who enforce them; disciplined describes someone who follows rules or controls themselves.
Practice
She wakes up at 5 a.m. every day and never misses a workout. She is very _____.
Choose one answer.
Disciplined is the adjective for someone with self-control. Strict would describe rules or a person who enforces them, and discipline is a noun or verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “disciplined”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.