instil vs infuse

[micaelo]

OK, this is a difficult one.
I need to choose the correct option to complete the following sentence.
My parents always tried to ...................... a sense of integrity into me.
a. instil b. infuse c. inlay d. inset.
Apparently, the correct option is "a. instil".
However, I found the following definitions for "infuse":
a. (often foll. by into) to instil or inculcate. (Collins English dictionary)
b. to introduce as by pouring; cause to penetrate; instil (often fol. by into) : to infuse loyalty into the new employees. (Webster dictionary)
So, what's the reason it's not valid to complete the above sentence?
Many thanks.

[Noego]

I got it!

I took me a while to think it through.

Look at what my dictionary says about instill:

"to put a feeling, idea or principle gradually into someone's mind, so that it has a strong influence on the way they think or behave"

In your example, the parents gradually tried to instill integrity as you don't learn a value overnight, it takes a while to integrate it.

Here's a definition of infuse:

"to fill someone or something with an emotion or quality"

The key to understanding the right answer lies in understanding that if you instill a quality you do it gradually, just like when parents are raising their children.

I think it's always a good idea to look at a few sets of definitions. One definition might give you the clue you need.

[Francois]

"Inlay" and "inset" clearly don't fit, since AFAIK they don't have a figurative meaning.
"Infuse" carries the idea of something spreading, like a teabag of course, or a drop of ink on blotting paper. I would say that you can infuse life, or feelings, among a group of people.
"Instill" (I spell it with two "l", but that's probably AE) is the best fit here, since its "step-by-step" nuance works well for a single individual, and values like integrity.

My 2 cents.

[Noego]

For the record, about instill/instil:

They are both correct, just like traveling/travelling

UK: instil
US: instill