L'instinct (en. Instinct)

/lɛ̃stɛ̃kt/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Innate ability to perceive or react to something without prior reasoning.

She has a remarkable instinct for understanding the emotions of others.

Elle a un instinct remarquable pour comprendre les émotions des autres.

Impulse that drives one to act in a certain way based on needs or primary instincts.

The survival instinct is fundamental in all living beings.

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

Intuition that guides decisions without tangible evidence.

He followed his instinct and decided to quit his job.

Il a suivi son instinct et a décidé de quitter son emploi.

From Latin 'instinctus', which means 'aroused' or 'driven to act'.

to have instinct

to have good intuition or the ability to sense something.

avoir de l'instinct

to act on instinct

to act without thinking, based on natural impulses.

agir par instinct

to follow one's instinct

to listen to and trust one's internal impressions.

suivre son instinct

intuitive

Describes a person who acts or understands something by instinct.

intuitif

reflex

Automatic reaction without conscious thought.

réflexe

natural

In harmony with nature or innate instinct.

naturel

Animal instinct

He has animal instincts when it comes to recognizing danger.

Il a des instincts animaux quand il s'agit de reconnaitre le danger.

Maternal instinct

Her maternal instinct drove her to protect the child.

Son instinct maternel l'a poussée à protéger l'enfant.