Inculcate Definition, Examples & How to Use It

Meaning 1：instill firmly by repetition (inculcate)

inculcate 🔊

/ˈɪnkʌlkeɪt/

vt.

To put an idea or belief firmly into someone's mind by repeating it often.

Inculcate illustration teacher instilling kindness by repetition in classroom

instill firmly by repetition 🔊

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/ɪnˈstɪl ˈfɜːrmli baɪ ˌrepəˈtɪʃən/

vt.

To cause an idea or belief to become deeply rooted in someone's mind through constant repetition and emphasis.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'inculcare' (stamp in), from 'in-' + 'calcare' (tread), from 'calx' (heel).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine 'in' + 'culcate' like 'cultivate' but using a heel to press ideas deep into the mind.

📖 Example

Her parents worked hard to inculcate in her a strong sense of honesty from a very young age, often telling her bedtime stories about telling the truth. 🔊 Her parents worked hard to inculcate in her a strong sense of honesty from a very young age, often telling her bedtime stories about telling the truth.

🔗 Collocations

inculcate a sense of duty – To firmly establish a feeling of responsibility in someone

inculcate values in children – To repeatedly teach moral principles to young people

inculcate discipline among students – To instill self-control and order in learners through constant practice

🔄 Synonyms

instill (v.) – To gradually introduce an idea or feeling into someone's mind

imbue (v.) – To inspire or permeate someone with a feeling or quality

ingrain (v.) – To firmly fix an idea or habit in someone's mind through repetition

🚫 Antonyms

eradicate (v.) – To completely remove or destroy something from the mind

uproot (v.) – To pull out or eliminate a belief or habit that has been established

obliterate (v.) – To erase something completely from memory or consciousness

🌱 Derivatives

inculcation (n.) – The act of repeatedly instilling ideas or beliefs

inculcator (n.) – A person who inculcates something

inculcative (adj.) – Tending to inculcate or having the quality of instilling

📖 Cultural Story

Latin 'inculcare' meant 'to tread in with the heel,' later figuratively 'to impress upon the mind.' Used in education and moral instruction since the 16th century.