Disciplinary vs. Discipline — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 18, 2024
Disciplinary relates to the enforcement of rules, often implying consequences, while discipline can mean self-control or a field of study.
Difference Between Disciplinary and Discipline
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Disciplinary actions are measures taken to correct or punish breaches of rules, focusing on maintaining order, whereas discipline encompasses broader concepts including self-control, training, and specific areas of knowledge or study.
In a workplace or educational context, disciplinary refers to procedures or consequences for rule violations, aiming to address and rectify behavior, while discipline can be an individual's practice of maintaining focus and order in their activities or the specific field they are engaged in, such as a discipline of science.
Disciplinary processes are often formal and involve a set of steps designed to deal with infringements, emphasizing accountability and correction, whereas discipline, when referring to self-control, is about personal commitment and regulation without necessarily involving external enforcement.
While disciplinary actions are reactive, responding to specific incidents or behaviors that deviate from expected norms, discipline as self-control is proactive, involving continuous effort to adhere to personal or professional standards.
Disciplinary measures can lead to a variety of outcomes, from warnings to more severe penalties, depending on the severity of the violation, whereas discipline, as a field of study, leads to expertise and knowledge in a particular area, contributing to personal and professional development.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to correction or enforcement of rules
Self-control or a branch of knowledge
Context
Often used in institutions, workplaces
Personal, educational, professional
Focus
Corrective actions for rule breaches
Self-regulation, training, or field of study
Nature
Reactive, based on specific incidents
Proactive, continuous effort or academic study
Outcome
Consequences, correction
Personal growth, expertise in a field
Compare with Definitions
Disciplinary
Related to the enforcement of rules.
The disciplinary committee reviewed the case.
Discipline
The practice of training oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way.
Discipline is key to achieving goals.
Disciplinary
Pertaining to the correction of behavior.
Disciplinary actions are necessary for maintaining order.
Discipline
A field of study or branch of knowledge.
She specialized in the discipline of psychology.
Disciplinary
Involving penalties or sanctions.
He faced disciplinary consequences for his actions.
Discipline
Self-control or regulation of behavior.
Discipline helps in personal development.
Disciplinary
Focused on maintaining standards.
Disciplinary procedures ensure adherence to rules.
Discipline
A system of rules governing conduct.
Martial arts teach discipline and respect.
Disciplinary
Involving actions taken for rule violations.
Disciplinary measures were implemented.
Discipline
The ability to focus and work diligently.
His discipline was evident in his work.
Disciplinary
Of, relating to, or used for discipline
Disciplinary training.
Disciplinary measures.
Discipline
Discipline is action or inaction that is regulated to be in accordance (or to achieve accord) with a particular system of governance. Discipline is commonly applied to regulating human and animal behavior to its society or environment it belongs.
Disciplinary
Of or relating to a specific field of academic study.
Discipline
Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement
Was raised in the strictest discipline.
Disciplinary
Having to do with discipline, or with the imposition of discipline.
Debt can motivate or act as a disciplinary force for executives to achieve organizational efficiency.
Discipline
Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order
Military discipline.
Disciplinary
For the purpose of imposing punishment.
The school has announced that it will take disciplinary measures against the students who participated in the protest activities.
Discipline
Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control
Dieting takes a lot of discipline.
Disciplinary
Of or relating to an academic field of study.
We hope that psychologists will applaud good studies of scientific behavior and thought regardless of the disciplinary specialty of the author.
Discipline
A state of order based on submission to rules and authority
A teacher who demanded discipline in the classroom.
Disciplinary
A disciplinary action.
Discipline
Punishment intended to correct or train
Subjected to harsh discipline.
Disciplinary
Pertaining to discipline; intended for discipline; corrective; belonging to a course of training.
Those canons . . . were only disciplinary.
The evils of the . . . are disciplinary and remedial.
Discipline
A set of rules or methods, as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order.
Disciplinary
Relating to discipline in behavior;
Disciplinary problems in the classroom
Discipline
A branch of knowledge or teaching
The discipline of mathematics.
Disciplinary
Relating to a specific field of academic study;
Economics in its modern disciplinary sense
Discipline
To train by instruction and practice, as in following rules or developing self-control
The sergeant disciplined the recruits to become soldiers.
Disciplinary
Designed to promote discipline;
The teacher's action was corrective rather than instructional
Disciplinal measures
The mother was stern and disciplinary
Discipline
To punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience.
Discipline
To impose order on
Needed to discipline their study habits.
Discipline
A controlled behaviour; self-control.
Discipline
An enforced compliance or control.
Discipline
A systematic method of obtaining obedience.
Discipline
A state of order based on submission to authority.
Discipline
A set of rules regulating behaviour.
Discipline
A punishment to train or maintain control.
Discipline
A specific branch of knowledge or learning.
Discipline
A category in which a certain art, sport or other activity belongs.
Discipline
(transitive) To train someone by instruction and practice.
Discipline
(transitive) To teach someone to obey authority.
Discipline
(transitive) To punish someone in order to (re)gain control.
Discipline
(transitive) To impose order on someone.
Discipline
The treatment suited to a disciple or learner; education; development of the faculties by instruction and exercise; training, whether physical, mental, or moral.
Wife and children are a kind of discipline of humanity.
Discipline aims at the removal of bad habits and the substitution of good ones, especially those of order, regularity, and obedience.
Discipline
Training to act in accordance with established rules; accustoming to systematic and regular action; drill.
Their wildness lose, and, quitting nature's part,Obey the rules and discipline of art.
Discipline
Subjection to rule; submissiveness to order and control; habit of obedience.
The most perfect, who have their passions in the best discipline, are yet obliged to be constantly on their guard.
Discipline
Severe training, corrective of faults; instruction by means of misfortune, suffering, punishment, etc.
A sharp discipline of half a century had sufficed to educate us.
Discipline
Correction; chastisement; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.
Giving her the discipline of the strap.
Discipline
The subject matter of instruction; a branch of knowledge.
Discipline
The enforcement of methods of correction against one guilty of ecclesiastical offenses; reformatory or penal action toward a church member.
Discipline
Self-inflicted and voluntary corporal punishment, as penance, or otherwise; specifically, a penitential scourge.
Discipline
A system of essential rules and duties; as, the Romish or Anglican discipline.
Discipline
To educate; to develop by instruction and exercise; to train.
Discipline
To accustom to regular and systematic action; to bring under control so as to act systematically; to train to act together under orders; to teach subordination to; to form a habit of obedience in; to drill.
Ill armed, and worse disciplined.
His mind . . . imperfectly disciplined by nature.
Discipline
To improve by corrective and penal methods; to chastise; to correct.
Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?
Discipline
To inflict ecclesiastical censures and penalties upon.
Discipline
A branch of knowledge;
In what discipline is his doctorate?
Teachers should be well trained in their subject
Anthropology is the study of human beings
Discipline
A system of rules of conduct or method of practice;
He quickly learned the discipline of prison routine
For such a plan to work requires discipline
Discipline
The trait of being well behaved;
He insisted on discipline among the troops
Discipline
Training to improve strength or self-control
Discipline
The act of punishing;
The offenders deserved the harsh discipline they received
Discipline
Train by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control;
Parents must discipline their children
Is this dog trained?
Discipline
Punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience;
The teacher disciplined the pupils rather frequently
Common Curiosities
Can discipline be learned?
Yes, discipline can be developed through practice, training, and adopting positive habits.
How does discipline contribute to success?
Discipline contributes to success by fostering self-control, perseverance, and focus, essential for achieving long-term goals.
Is discipline important in all areas of life?
Discipline is valuable across various life aspects, including personal development, professional success, and academic achievement.
How does disciplinary action affect an individual?
Disciplinary action aims to correct behavior, potentially leading to improved conduct, but can also cause stress or resentment.
Are disciplinary actions always negative?
While disciplinary actions address rule violations, they can have positive outcomes by promoting learning and growth.
How does one cultivate discipline?
Discipline can be cultivated through setting clear goals, creating routines, practicing self-control, and seeking continuous improvement.
Can disciplinary measures be constructive?
Yes, constructive disciplinary measures focus on learning from mistakes, encouraging positive behavior change.
How does discipline differ in personal vs. professional contexts?
In personal contexts, discipline is more about self-improvement and goals, while professionally, it also encompasses adherence to organizational norms.
How is discipline related to mental health?
Good discipline can enhance mental health by reducing stress and improving life management, but excessive self-discipline can sometimes lead to stress.
How does the concept of discipline evolve with age?
With age, the understanding and application of discipline often mature, shifting from external enforcement to internal self-regulation.
Can a lack of discipline lead to disciplinary actions?
Yes, a lack of self-discipline, especially in regulated environments, can result in the need for disciplinary measures.
Can discipline be too rigid?
While discipline is beneficial, excessive rigidity can stifle creativity and adaptability, highlighting the need for balance.
What role do disciplinary actions play in organizations?
In organizations, disciplinary actions help maintain order, ensure adherence to standards, and protect the integrity of the workplace.
How does societal culture affect views on discipline?
Cultural values and norms significantly influence perceptions of discipline, with some cultures emphasizing strict discipline more than others.
How do different disciplines interact in multidisciplinary fields?
In multidisciplinary fields, various disciplines converge, leading to innovative approaches and solutions that benefit from diverse expertise.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
