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; in- ², -ate ¹

Example Sentences

To tell one’s beads regularly requires a measure of the discipline it is meant to inculcate.

From The Wall Street Journal

It suggests a household that lacks rules, or plays by rules other than the ones most of us have been inculcated with.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This is not about enforcing standards,” she said, “it’s about inculcating a particular value system within the officer corps.”

From Salon

"I think you need to try and inculcate people into an understanding of the structures of governance, how you can engage in those structures."

From BBC

“Susanna inculcated the value of tradition and heritage to everyone she knew.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• impart
• indoctrinate
• instill