Meaning & Definition of word "Instinctive"
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Instinctive
/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/
adjective:
- 1. Relating to or prompted by instinct; natural or automatic.
- Example: Her instinctive reaction was to protect her friend from harm.
- 2. Done or occurring without conscious thought or planning.
- Example: He had an instinctive understanding of the game, allowing him to strategize effortlessly.
- 3. Characterized by feelings or behaviors that are innate rather than learned.
- Example: The puppy's instinctive behavior to chase after the ball was adorable.
- 4. Based on an innate or inherent quality or sense.
- Example: His instinctive trust in others often led him to be taken advantage of.
Etymology
From Latin 'instinctivus', from 'instinctus' meaning 'impulse, instinct'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
instinctive response:
An immediate reaction based on instinct without conscious thought.
instinctive feeling:
A sensation or intuition that arises spontaneously.
Related Words
instinct:
An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli.
intuitive:
Based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning.
Slang Meanings of instinctive
Meaning: A gut feeling.
Example Sentence: I can’t explain it, but my gut feeling was instinctive.
Meaning: To go with your first thought.
Example Sentence: When in doubt, just do what feels right; follow your instinctive thought.