inculcate
What does "inculcate" mean?
To inculcate means to instill an idea, attitude, or habit into someone through persistent, repetitive instruction. Think of it as slowly engraving a lesson into someone’s mind until it becomes a permanent part of their character or way of thinking. This word is almost exclusively used in formal or academic contexts, often referring to moral values, beliefs, or discipline. You will most commonly see it paired with words like "values," "discipline," or "habits," and it implies a process that takes significant time and effort.
"inculcate" in conversation
Discussing parenting styles
Do you think it's possible to inculcate a sense of gratitude in children at a young age?
Do you think it's possible to instill a sense of gratitude in children at a young age?
I think it takes constant reinforcement, not just a one-time conversation.
I think it takes constant reinforcement, not just a one-time conversation.
Used here to describe the deliberate, long-term teaching of a specific value.
Professional development meeting
Our goal is to inculcate a culture of safety across every department.
Our goal is to instill a culture of safety across every department.
Understood, we will start by updating the daily briefing protocols.
Understood, we will start by updating the daily briefing protocols.
Shows the word's use in a corporate setting to describe organizational culture.
"inculcate" in a sentence
The teacher tried to inculcate the importance of honesty in his students.
The teacher tried to instill the importance of honesty in his students.
Parents often struggle to inculcate healthy eating habits in their children during the teenage years.
Parents often struggle to instill healthy eating habits in their children during the teenage years.
The institution sought to inculcate a sense of civic duty through rigorous academic and service-oriented programs.
The institution sought to instill a sense of civic duty through rigorous academic and service-oriented programs.
