instills

Instills is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb instill. To instill is to gradually but firmly implant a belief, attitude, or feeling in someone. The process is typically gradual and internal, rather than overt or coercive, and it is often associated with developing character, values, or dispositions. Common objects include confidence, discipline, respect, empathy, and a sense of responsibility. Examples: “The coach instills discipline in the team” and “Parents instill good manners in their children.”

Etymology: the word derives from Latin instillare, meaning to drip in, from in- “in” + stillare “to drip.”

Spelling variants: In American English, the base form is instill with two l's, and the third-person singular is instills. In British English, the base form is often instil with one l, yielding instils as the third-person singular; both forms carry the same meaning. The form instills in this article uses the American convention.

Usage and nuance: instill emphasizes gradual internalization and the shaping of attitudes, rather than merely transmitting facts. It is commonly used in contexts such as education, parenting, leadership, and moral or ethical development. Related terms include inculcate, implant, ingrain, and imbue, which overlap in meaning but differ in emphasis on method or scope.