Word
instilling
Phoneticsin·still·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈstɪɫɪŋ/
UK/ɪnstˈɪlɪŋ/
Definition
v. to put an idea, feeling, or habit into someone little by little over time. You do this by teaching or showing the same thing again and again.
v. to gradually implant an attitude, value, or habit through repeated teaching or example. Takes an abstract object for the quality imparted and 'in' or 'into' for the recipient.
Examples
“She is instilling good habits in her children.”
“The coach is instilling confidence in the young players before the final match.”
“By instilling curiosity rather than fear of mistakes, the teacher helped students who once avoided difficult problems learn to persist.”
Examples
simple
“She is instilling good habits in her children.”
contextual
“The coach is instilling confidence in the young players before the final match.”
complex
“By instilling curiosity rather than fear of mistakes, the teacher helped students who once avoided difficult problems learn to persist.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “instilling” in context.
Verb
01. aim to instill
“Parents aim to instill honesty by modelling it consistently at home.”
verb + to + verb
02. help instill
“Team sports help instill cooperation and mutual respect in teenagers.”
verb + verb
03. instill confidence
“Encouraging feedback is key to instilling confidence in young learners.”
verb + noun
04. instill discipline
“Military training is designed for instilling discipline under pressure.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. deliberately instill
“The academy deliberately instills resilience through daily challenges.”
adv + verb
06. gradually instill
“Good teachers gradually instill a love of reading in their pupils.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. instill in student
“The school excels at instilling curiosity in students from day one.”
verb + prep + noun
08. instill in workforce
“Workshops are instilling a culture of safety in the workforce.”
verb + prep + noun
09. instill a sense of responsibility
“Volunteering helps instill a sense of responsibility in teenagers.”
10. instill confidence in others
“Great mentors know how to instill confidence in others before big exams.”
11. instill discipline from childhood
“Strict routines instill discipline from childhood that lasts into adulthood.”
12. instill fear into rivals
“Their aggressive start instilled fear into rivals early in the season.”
Usage
The verb takes an abstract direct object for the quality imparted and 'in' or 'into' for the recipient.
Pitfall
instilling discipline to children
instilling discipline in children
Instil takes 'in' or 'into' for the recipient, not 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“LGBTQ+ people interviewed by Human Rights Watch said the crackdown was instilling fear among their community, and causing them to feel anxious and depressed.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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