How to Memorize

inculcate - instil

Analysis

To ‘inculcate’ is to instill things like ideas, principles, beliefs etc., in another person through frequent or persistent instruction and commands. It is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘to force upon’, but that doesn’t mean it is necessarily a bad thing. With this formal word, often the thing being forced upon somebody else is for their own good.

Example(s)

1. I have been working hard to inculcate a good team spirit among my staff in order to improve cohesion and productivity.

2. I felt that the teacher was forcing her political beliefs down the throats of the students. It was more inculcation than education.

3. As a parent, I feel that it is vital to inculcate a sense of responsibility in children, as well as a respect for their elders.