Obedience vs. Submission: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Obedience is following orders or rules, often from a position of authority, while submission is yielding or surrendering oneself to the control of another.
Key Differences
Obedience involves adhering to instructions or regulations set by an authority figure, focusing on compliance with external rules or commands. In contrast, submission goes beyond mere rule-following; it is about yielding or giving oneself over to someone else's authority, often implying a deeper level of personal relinquishment of control or resistance.
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Nov 27, 2023
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While obedience is often observable and measurable through actions that align with specific directives, submission is more about an internal state, a mindset of accepting and accommodating the will or authority of another. Obedience can be seen in the execution of specific tasks or adherence to particular guidelines, whereas submission involves an attitude of deference and often a relinquishing of personal autonomy.
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Nov 27, 2023
Obedience can exist without full submission; one might obey out of fear, duty, or respect without fully submitting their will or judgement. Conversely, submission often encompasses obedience but adds an element of willingly accepting and internalizing someone else’s authority or dominance, potentially affecting one's choices and behavior more profoundly.
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The motivation behind obedience and submission can differ significantly. Obedience might be motivated by external factors like rewards, punishment avoidance, or societal expectations. In contrast, submission is often driven by internal factors such as trust, respect, belief in the other party's judgement, or even love and devotion.
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Nov 27, 2023
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In summary, while obedience is about following specific commands or guidelines, often observable through actions, submission is a more comprehensive, often internal, acceptance of another's authority, encompassing both actions and attitudes, and often reflecting deeper emotional or relational dynamics.
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Nov 27, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Compliance with orders or rules.
Yielding or surrendering to someone else's control.
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Focus
Actions aligning with specific directives.
Attitude of deference and acceptance of authority.
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Motivation
Often external (e.g., rewards, avoidance of punishment).
Typically internal (e.g., trust, respect).
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Relation to Authority
May or may not involve respect for the authority figure.
Involves accepting and valuing the authority figure.
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Nature
Can be temporary and situational.
Often reflects a more enduring state of mind.
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Obedience and Submission Definitions
Obedience
Conforming to established regulations or standards.
His obedience to traffic laws prevented accidents.
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Submission
Deferring to another's decision or opinion.
Her submission to the expert's analysis was wise.
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Obedience
Following specific guidance or commands.
The soldier's obedience to the orders saved many lives.
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Submission
Giving up personal independence in a specific context.
The team's submission to the coach's strategy led to victory.
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Obedience
Meeting the expectations or demands of a role or situation.
Her obedience to company policy demonstrated her professionalism.
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Submission
Agreeing to let someone else take the lead.
Their submission to the new management was smooth.
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Obedience
Showing deference to someone in a position of power.
The students' obedience to their teacher created a harmonious classroom.
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Submission
Acknowledging and respecting another's dominance.
In submission to her mentor's advice, she revised her project.
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Obedience
Yielding to explicit instructions from a superior.
The dog's obedience to its owner's command was immediate.
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Submission
The act or fact of submitting to the power of another
An army laying siege to a town to compel its submission.
A dog bowing its head in submission.
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Submission
Something so submitted
Read three fiction manuscripts and several other submissions.
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Submission
The act of submitting or giving e.g. a completed piece of work.
Any submissions received after Friday will have marks deducted for lateness.
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Obedience
The quality of being obedient.
Obedience is essential in any army.
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Obedience
The collective body of persons subject to any particular authority.
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Submission
A submission hold in wrestling, mixed martial arts, or other combat sports.
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Obedience
A written instruction from the superior of an order to those under him.
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Submission
The act of submitting; the act of yielding to power or authority; surrender of the person and power to the control or government of another; obedience; compliance.
Submission, dauphin! 't is a mere French word;We English warrious wot not what it means.
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Obedience
The act of obeying, or the state of being obedient; compliance with that which is required by authority; subjection to rightful restraint or control.
Government must compel the obedience of individuals.
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Submission
The state of being submissive; acknowledgement of inferiority or dependence; humble or suppliant behavior; meekness; resignation.
In all submission and humilityYork doth present himself unto your highness.
No duty in religion is more justly required by God . . . than a perfect submission to his will in all things.
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Submission
Acknowledgement of a fault; confession of error.
Be not as extreme in submissionAs in offense.
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Obedience
A following; a body of adherents; as, the Roman Catholic obedience, or the whole body of persons who submit to the authority of the pope.
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Submission
An agreement by which parties engage to submit any matter of controversy between them to the decision of arbitrators.
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Obedience
The act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
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Submission
Something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition);
Several of his submissions were rejected by publishers
What was the date of submission of your proposal?
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Obedience
Behavior intended to please your parents;
Their children were never very strong on obedience
He went to law school out of respect for his father's wishes
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Submission
The condition of having submitted to control by someone or something else;
The union was brought into submission
His submission to the will of God
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Submission
A legal document summarizing an agreement between parties in a dispute to abide by the decision of an arbiter
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Submission
An agreement between parties in a dispute to abide by the decision of an arbiter
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Submission
(law) a contention presented by a lawyer to a judge or jury as part of the case he is arguing
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Submission
Surrendering one's own will or preference.
His submission to the company's directive was reluctant.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is submission considered a negative trait?
Not necessarily. In some relationships or contexts, like in martial arts or spiritual practices, submission can be seen as a positive, respectful, or necessary part of the dynamic.
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What is the key difference between obedience and submission?
Obedience is about following specific commands or rules, while submission is a broader concept involving yielding to or accepting someone else's authority or control.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can submission change over time?
Yes, one's level of submission can vary over time, often influenced by changing relationships, trust levels, and personal growth.
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Is obedience always visible?
Obedience often results in observable actions, but it can also be an internal state of compliance without overt actions.
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Does obedience always require an authority figure?
Typically, obedience is in response to an authority figure or set rules, but self-imposed obedience to personal principles or morals can also occur.
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Is submission always a choice?
Ideally, submission should be a voluntary act, but in some contexts, it may be imposed or expected due to cultural, social, or hierarchical reasons.
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How does one balance obedience and autonomy?
Balancing obedience and autonomy involves understanding when to comply with external demands and when to assert one's own will, often based on ethical, practical, or personal considerations.
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Can someone be obedient without being submissive?
Yes, one can obey commands or rules without fully submitting their will or judgement to the authority figure.
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Can a person be submissive in one context and not in another?
Absolutely. Submission is often contextual and can vary greatly depending on the relationship or situation.
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Nov 27, 2023
Does submission imply weakness?
Submission does not inherently imply weakness; it can be a choice stemming from strength, understanding, or respect.
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Is obedience always immediate?
While immediate obedience is common, especially in structured environments, delayed obedience can also occur, especially if the commands require time for execution.
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Can submission be empowering?
In some contexts, like in consensual and respectful relationships, submission can be empowering, fostering trust and mutual respect.
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Does obedience require understanding the reason behind the command?
Not necessarily. Obedience can be compliance without fully understanding or agreeing with the rationale.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is submission always a conscious decision?
Submission is usually a conscious decision, but it can also be a subconscious reaction influenced by cultural, societal, or psychological factors.
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How do culture and upbringing affect obedience and submission?
Cultural norms and upbringing can significantly influence one's attitudes and behaviors regarding obedience and submission, often shaping their perception and practice of these concepts.
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Is it possible to challenge authority while being obedient?
Challenging authority while remaining obedient requires tactfully voicing concerns or suggestions while still adhering to the overall directives or rules.
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Are there risks associated with excessive submission?
Excessive submission can lead to loss of personal agency, exploitation, or unhealthy dynamics, especially if it's not based on mutual respect and consent.
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Can obedience be a form of protest?
In some cases, like in nonviolent resistance, strict obedience to certain rules can be used as a form of protest or to highlight the absurdity or injustice of those rules.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is it important to teach children about both obedience and submission?
Yes, understanding and navigating both obedience and submission is important for personal and social development, enabling children to interact effectively and respectfully in various contexts.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can submission be part of a healthy relationship?
Yes, in healthy relationships, submission can be a mutual and respectful dynamic that enhances the relationship.
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Nov 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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