instill

IPA/ɪnˈstɪl/
KK[ˌɪnstˈɪl]IPA/ɪnˈstɪl/

instill — verb

  • instillpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • instils3rd person singular
  • instilling-ing form
  • instilledpast simple

1. used in American English as the spelling of the word that in British English is

1.動詞
釋義

used in American English as the spelling of the word that in British English is written as 'instil'.

例句

In American English, you always write 'instill,' while in British English you write 'instil.'

AmE spelling variant of BrE instil

This dictionary uses the American spelling 'instill' for the verb entry.

2. to make someone gradually develop a particular feeling, belief, or quality by re

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make someone gradually develop a particular feeling, belief, or quality by repeatedly teaching or influencing them over time.

例句

Quan's grandmother instilled a love of reading in him from a very early age.

instill + [quality] + in + [person]

Through daily drills and steady encouragement, Coach Rivera instilled discipline into the young team.

instill + [quality] + into + [group]

同義詞
  • implant

    suggests putting an idea firmly in place, often in a direct or deliberate way; slightly less gradual than instill

  • inculcate

    more formal and implies deliberate, repeated instruction; often used in educational contexts

  • ingrain

    suggests the quality becomes deeply fixed as a natural part of someone's character

反義詞
  • eradicate

    to remove a quality or idea completely; the opposite of establishing something gradually

  • undermine

    to gradually weaken a belief or quality that has been instilled

文法句型

instill + [quality/feeling/belief] + in/into + [person/group]

用法筆記

Frequently used with in or into after the quality being instilled. The object of the preposition is typically a person or a group. Formal register; more common in written than spoken English.

常見錯誤

The teacher instilled the students with confidence.
The teacher instilled confidence in the students.
💡The quality or feeling goes directly after 'instilled', not the person. Use the pattern instill + [quality] + in/into + [person].