inculcate

American  

[in-kuhl-keyt, in-kuhl-keyt] / ɪnˈkʌl keɪt, ˈɪn kʌlˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

inculcated, inculcating

1. to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually followed by upon orin ).

   to inculcate virtue in the young.

   Synonyms:

   ingrain, infix, instill

2. to cause or influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling (usually followed bywith ).

   Socrates inculcated his pupils with the love of truth.

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inculcate British  

/ ˈɪnkʌlˌkeɪt, ɪnˈkʌlkeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to instil by forceful or insistent repetition

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Other Word Forms

• inculcation
  noun
• inculcative
  adjective
• inculcator
  noun
• inculcatory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of inculcate

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin inculcātus, past participle of inculcāre “to trample, impress, stuff in,” equivalent to in- “in” + culc- (variant, in noninitial position, of calc-, stem of calx “heel”) + -ātus past participle suffix; see in- ², -ate ¹

Explanation

To inculcate is to teach through frequent instruction. If you repeatedly tell your brother how important it is to be responsible, then you’re trying to inculcate in him a sense of responsibility. The word inculcate traces back to the Latin word inculcare, meaning “to force upon or to stamp in.” If anyone has even tried to inculcate you with something, it may seem as if something is being stamped into your brain — over and over and over. A key thing to remember about this word is repetition: something, such as a value or a belief, is instilled in the brain by the persistent restating of its importance.

Example Sentences

Inculcate as much as possible the idea of a struggle for a principle, and omit the horrors of war.

From Children's Rights A book of nursery logic by Wiggin, Kate Douglas Smith

Inculcate, in-kul′kāt, v.t. to enforce by frequent admonitions or repetitions.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Inculcate this excellent rule, "of doing unto others, what you wish others to do unto you," and always preferring others to yourself.

From Domestic Cookery, Useful Receipts, and Hints to Young Housekeepers by Lea, Elizabeth E. (Elizabeth Ellicott)

Related Words

• impart
• indoctrinate
• instill