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Inculcating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inculcating

[ˈɪŋ.kəl.keɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

teaching method

To inculcate means to instill an idea, attitude, or habit by persistent instruction. It often involves teaching something in a gradual and repetitive way, allowing the learner to absorb the information deeply. This term is frequently used in educational contexts regarding moral values or principles.

Synonyms

implant, indoctrinate, ingrain, instill, teach.

Examples of usage

  • Teachers aim at inculcating respect among students.
  • Parents play a crucial role in inculcating good habits in their children.
  • She focused on inculcating a sense of responsibility in her team.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In education, inculcating values involves repetitive teaching to help students understand and adopt important principles.
  • Different teaching methods, like storytelling or practical examples, are often used to inculcate complex ideas.

Psychology

  • Psychologists study how repeated exposure to specific ideas shapes behavior and thought patterns.
  • Cognitive development theories suggest that early inculcation of morals can profoundly impact a child’s future decisions.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have rituals that inculcate community values, such as family gatherings and celebrations.
  • Inculcation of cultural traditions ensures that younger generations maintain their heritage and identity.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the ethics of inculcating specific beliefs, weighing freedom of thought against societal norms.
  • The process can be both positive, fostering community ideals, or negative, leading to indoctrination.

Origin of 'inculcating'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'inculcare', meaning 'to tread in' or 'to instill'.
  • The root 'culcus' refers to a heel, implying the idea of pressing ideas firmly into someone's mind.

The word 'inculcate' comes from the Latin 'inculcare', meaning 'to tread on, press upon'. The prefix 'in-' means 'upon' or 'in', while 'culcare' derives from 'culcus', meaning 'to press'. It suggests the idea of pressing a lesson or value into someone's mind. In the 17th century, the word began to take on its modern meaning in English, focusing on the idea of teaching or instilling principles through consistent practice and education. The evolution of the term reflects broader educational philosophies where active engagement and repetitive learning are emphasized to embed concepts deeply within a learner's understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,647, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.