instill — to 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.

Sitting still, he will instill the skill
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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