Skip to main content

instillto gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈstɪl/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother tried to instill in me the importance of saying 'please' and 'thank you', but I kept forgetting until she started hiding cookies every time I was rude.
  • The coach worked hard to instill a winning mentality in the team before the championship.
  • The new manager hoped to instill a culture of innovation, but most employees just wanted to instill coffee into their bloodstream first.

instill

VERB

[/ɪnˈstɪl/]

to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind

The old coach quietly instills discipline in every young player he trains.
💡 Concept

The old coach quietly instills discipline in every young player he trains.

Sitting still, he will instill the skill
🎵 Rhyme

Sitting still, he will instill the skill

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪnˈstɪl/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪnˈstɪl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixin--
Rootstill

Origin

From Latin 'instillare', composed of 'in-' (into) and 'stillare' (to drop or pour), derived from 'stilla' meaning a drop. The term originally referred to the literal action of pouring liquid drop by drop.

Breakdown

in- (into) + still (drop/pour, from Latin stilla) + -are (Latin infinitive ending) = instill (to pour in gradually, to establish firmly by gradual means)

🎵Rhyme

stillwillskillfillthrill
still
will
skill
fill
thrill

🔗Collocations

instill confidence
instill values
instill discipline
instill fear
instill in someone
gradually instill

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My grandmother tried to instill in me the importance of saying 'please' and 'thank you', but I kept forgetting until she started hiding cookies every time I was rude.

The coach worked hard to instill a winning mentality in the team before the championship.

😄 Fun example

The new manager hoped to instill a culture of innovation, but most employees just wanted to instill coffee into their bloodstream first.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

implantinculcateinfuseinspirecultivate

Antonyms

removeextracteliminate

Related

distillinspireeducatenurtureinfluence

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.