Instinct (en. Instinct)

/ɛ̃s.tɛ̃kt/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

An innate ability to act or react in a certain way.

The survival instinct is present in all living beings.

L'instinct de survie est présent chez tous les êtres vivants.

An innate behavior or way of thinking that does not require reasoning.

His instinct tells him to be wary of strangers.

Son instinct lui dit de se méfier des inconnus.

A strong intuition or impression that guides decisions.

She followed her instinct and made the right decision.

Elle a suivi son instinct et a pris la bonne décision.

From the Latin 'instinctus', which means 'impulse, incitement'.

to act on instinct

Acting without conscious thought, following one's feelings or first impressions.

agir par instinct

to have a good instinct

Being capable of feeling or perceiving things accurately.

avoir un bon instinct

instinctive

To designate something that is based on instinct.

instinctif

intuitive

Related to intuition, which is similar to instinct.

intuitif

To follow one's instinct without overthinking.

I just trust my instinct, you know.

Je fais juste confiance à mon instinct, tu sais.

To have a good instinct for something.

She has an incredible instinct for business.

Elle a un instinct incroyable pour les affaires.