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inculquer

to instil

verb an-kül-KEH Rare

Origin: Latin inculcare 'to tread in', from calx 'heel'

Also means

to inculcate

Usage Note

Inculquer means to instil beliefs, values, or habits through persistent teaching or repetition. It typically takes an indirect object: inculquer quelque chose à quelqu'un ('to instil something in someone'). The word carries a slightly formal register and implies sustained effort — inculquer le respect ('to instil respect'). The related noun is inculcation.

Examples

"Les parents inculquent des valeurs à leurs enfants."

Natural Translation

Parents instil values in their children.

Literal Translation

Parents instil values to their children.

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