What does instil mean?
To instil something is to introduce it into someone’s mind gradually, especially by teaching, encouragement, or repeated example. The word is especially appropriate for qualities, attitudes, beliefs, and habits that develop over time: one may instil confidence in a learner, discipline in a team, or a love of reading in a child. Its gradual character distinguishes it from more forceful verbs such as impose, which can suggest authority or an abrupt effect. “Instil” is the usual British spelling; American English generally uses “instill,” although both forms are understood. The word is also metaphorical: just as a substance can be introduced in small amounts, an idea can be planted and gradually take root. It is consequently well suited to education, upbringing, coaching, and discussions of personal or cultural influence.
verbTo gradually introduce an idea, attitude, quality, or feeling into someone’s mind, especially through repeated teaching or example.
- To cause an idea, attitude, quality, or feeling to take root gradually in someone’s mind.
"Her patient encouragement instilled confidence in the young musicians."
"The coach’s calm authority instilled discipline in the team."
"Years of daily practice instilled a deep love of the language in his pupils."
Instil comes from the same Latin idea as a drop of liquid: teaching can seep into the mind one small influence at a time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does instil come from?
The word entered English in the early 16th century from Latin instilare or instillare, meaning “to drop into.” Its components are the prefix in- and stillare, “to drop,” related to stilla, “drop,” expressing the idea of introducing something little by little. The traditional British spelling preserves the final e of instilare, while American English usually has the double-l form instill. Related English words such as distil, distill, and distillation come from the same Latin root for dropping or extracting drops.
Related word forms
How instil is actually used
The word suggests a gradual and often sustained process of influence. It is most often used with qualities, beliefs, attitudes, and skills and commonly takes the object of what is being conveyed, as in “instil confidence.”
Easily confused with instil
“Instil” is the traditional British spelling, while “instill” is the standard spelling in American English.