Definition 1: Originally used to refer to dyeing, this verb now means to infuse a substance into something or an idea into someone until it permeates their entire being, as a dye permeates the material it soaks.

Usage 1: "Infuse" implies the introduction of a new element, as in "Jose infused the group with a new enthusiasm." "Instill" implies a gradual imbuement of an attitude: "A parent should instill a sense of frugality in their children before they attain a credit rating."

Suggested usage: Imbue implies that some element takes possession of the object it is infused into: "Miriam was imbued with such a passion for good causes, she had little time for petty pleasures." This verb is associated with color and attitudes. A person may be imbued with patriotism or a sense of history. You might imbue a story with local color (get the pun?), or a picture with the aura of a winter evening.

Etymology: Latin imbuere "to wet, soak, saturate; give initial instruction" from in- "in" and *bu-, possibly from PIE *poi- "drink', as in Russian pi-t' "to drink". (See "Words: Where do they Come From?" in yourDictionary's library for more on PIE.)