instill
Definitions
To gradually establish an idea, attitude or quality in someone's mind
（逐渐）灌输，培养（思想、品质）
To put a liquid into something drop by drop
（一滴滴）滴入
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- ('into') + still ('drip') = to drip into. Originally to drip medicine into the eye; today almost always figurative — to put values, confidence or habits into a person slowly, drop by drop. The image of patient dripping captures exactly how character is built over time.
Root till still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
The normal pattern is 'instill X in/into someone' (instill discipline in children), not 'instill someone with X' — that wording is widely considered awkward. American spelling instill (two l's); British also accepts instil (one l).
Example Sentences
- 1.
Good teachers instill a love of learning in their students.
- 2.
The coach worked to instill confidence in the young team.
- 3.
The nurse instilled a few drops into the patient's eye.