What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instil
Example
The teacher tried to instill a love for reading in her students. [instill: verb]
Example
It takes time to instill good habits in children. [instill: verb]
Example
The doctor instructed me to instill two drops of medication in my eye every morning. [instill: verb]
imbue
Example
The artist imbued her paintings with a sense of melancholy. [imbued: past tense]
Example
The coach tried to imbue his team with a sense of confidence. [imbue: verb]
Example
The writer's work was imbued with a sense of nostalgia. [imbued: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instil is less common than imbue in everyday language, but both words are used in formal writing and speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instil and imbue?
Both instil and imbue are formal words that are typically used in academic or professional contexts. However, imbue has a more positive connotation and may be used in more elevated or poetic language.
