Nelson-Denny Practice Test

What does "Instill" imply?

1. Remove

2. Plant

3. Confuse

4. Withdraw

The correct answer is: Plant

The term "instill" implies the act of gradually and firmly establishing an idea or feeling in someone's mind. When considering the answer choice "plant," it embodies the concept of placing something (such as beliefs or values) in a way that encourages growth or development over time, akin to planting a seed that develops into a plant. This process of instilling can refer to the nurturing and cultivation of attitudes, knowledge, or skills. In contrast, the other options relate to actions that do not capture the essence of gradually embedding something into someone’s consciousness. For instance, "remove" suggests taking something away, while "withdraw" indicates pulling back or extracting something. "Confuse" introduces a notion of uncertainty or lack of clarity, which contradicts the idea of clear instillation of knowledge or belief. Thus, "plant" is the most fitting choice as it connotes the careful introduction and growth of ideas.