Instintos (en. Instincts)

/ins'tintos/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Natural impulses that drive a living being to specific behaviors.
Survival instincts are fundamental for the existence of many species.
Los instintos de supervivencia son fundamentales para la existencia de muchas especies.
Innate reactions to environmental stimuli.
The maternal instinct in some species of animals is very strong.
El instinto maternal en algunas especies de animales es muy fuerte.
Innate behavior that does not require prior learning.
Hunting instincts are present in felines from birth.
Los instintos de caza están presentes en los felinos desde que nacen.

Etymology

From the Latin 'instinctus', meaning 'impulse' or 'inspiration'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

follow your instincts
to act according to natural impulses or internal feelings.
seguir el instinto
your instinct tells you
an expression used to refer to a person's intuition.
tu instinto te dice
animal instinct
it refers to the innate behaviors of animals.
instinto animal

Related Words

instinctive
Behaving according to instincts.
instintivo
self-preservation instinct
Primitive need to protect one's own life.
instinto de conservación
self-instinct
Ability to act on personal impulse.
autoinstinto

Slang Meanings

To act impulsively or without thinking.
Sometimes you have to go with your instincts, without thinking too much.
A veces hay que dejarse llevar por los instintos, sin pensar demasiado.
Intuition or hunch.
My instinct tells me that it’s better not to trust him.
Mi instinto me dice que mejor no confíes en él.