What does instilling mean?
Instilling is a formal way of describing the process of teaching or implanting an idea, belief, value, attitude, or quality in someone so that it takes firm root. People may instill confidence in students, a sense of responsibility in children, or an appreciation of nature in visitors. The word suggests gradual but effective influence, often through example, instruction, or repeated experience. It can also describe adding a substance or characteristic to something, as in instilling flavor into a dish. In its common figurative use, instilling is stronger and more enduring than merely introducing an idea, because it suggests that the idea becomes part of a person's outlook or behavior. The verb is often used in formal educational, cultural, and professional contexts.
verbTo teach, impart, or establish a belief, idea, or principle firmly in someone's mind. It can also mean to put a substance or quality into something.
- To teach or impart a belief, attitude, value, or principle in a way that takes firm root.
- To put a substance, quality, or characteristic into something.
"The mentor instilled in her students a lasting appreciation for careful scholarship."
"Daily practice instilled discipline among the young musicians."
"The recipe calls for instilling a delicate vanilla flavor into the cream."
To instill is to plant an idea so deeply that it begins to shape how someone thinks or acts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does instilling come from?
Instilling comes from the English verb instill, which was borrowed from Latin instillare. The Latin word combined the prefix in-, meaning 'into' or 'upon,' with stillare, related to dropping liquid drop by drop. In early modern English, the verb referred to putting a liquid into a container, especially gradually. Its figurative sense of introducing a principle or attitude developed from the idea of putting something into a person's mind. The related noun instillation developed both for the act of instilling and for the gradual introduction of a substance or principle.
Related word forms
How instilling is actually used
Instilling is usually used with ideas, beliefs, values, confidence, knowledge, or qualities. It is more formal and deliberate than ordinary expressions such as 'teach someone' or 'give someone confidence'.
Easily confused with instilling
Instill means to teach or implant an idea or quality, whereas install means to set up or place something in a position, such as software or equipment.