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Definition of inculcate

inculcate

/ɪnˈkʌl.keɪt/
in · cul · cate
Adjective:inculcative
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Past Simple:inculcated
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Past Participle:inculcated
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Present Participle:inculcating
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inculcate Lexical Profile

inculcate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To instill or impress an attitude, idea, or habit into someone's mind by persistent instruction or repetition.

Example

"The mentorship program aims to inculcate a strong sense of civic responsibility in young students."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inculcate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inculcate

Word Nuance & Usage

Syntactically, 'inculcate' takes an idea, value, or habit as its direct object (e.g., 'inculcate discipline in someone'), whereas 'indoctrinate' takes a person as its direct object and often carries a negative connotation of uncritical brainwashing.

• Rhymes for inculcate

• Nearby Words

incubate
incubation
incubator
inculcate
incumbency
incumbent
incur

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'inculcatus', the past participle of 'inculcare' ('to tread on' or 'stamp in'), formed from 'in-' ('into') and 'calcare' ('to tread'), ultimately from 'calx' ('heel').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inculcate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inculcate
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