tame
tame
UK[teɪm]US[teɪm]
adj
(of an animal) not dangerous or frightened of people; domesticated
adj
(of a person) willing to do what other people ask
adj
dull and unexciting
v
to make an animal not wild or dangerous
v
to bring something under control
Etymology
the word 'tame' originates from the old english adjective 'tam', which meant 'domesticated, docile, subdued'. this old english term is descended from the proto-germanic 'tamaz', sharing a common ancestor with words like dutch 'tam' and german 'zahm'. the proto-germanic root is further traced back to the proto-indo-european 'demh₂-', meaning 'to tame, subdue'. the core semantic thread from its ancient root to modern english has consistently involved the concept of bringing something from a wild or uncontrolled state into one of domesticity, submission, or manageability.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit derived from old english 'tam', meaning 'domesticated, docile'.
Examples
the deer in the park are surprisingly tame and will eat from your hand.
he has a very tame personality and rarely disagrees with anyone.
the film's plot was exciting, but the ending felt rather tame.