Instinctive: meaning, definitions and examples

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instinctive

[ ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv ]

^{Context #1}

behavioral

Relating to or prompted by instinct; seemingly automatic or without thinking.

Synonyms

inherent, innate, intuitive

Examples of usage

Her instinctive reaction was to run away from danger.
Animals often rely on their instinctive behaviors for survival.

^{Context #2}

emotional

Arising from or acting on instinct; spontaneous and natural.

Synonyms

automatic, impulsive, innate

Examples of usage

He had an instinctive feeling that something was wrong.
The decision felt instinctive, as if he had known the answer all along.

Translations

Translations of the word "instinctive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instintivo

🇮🇳 स्वाभाविक

🇩🇪 instinktiv

🇮🇩 naluriah

🇺🇦 інстинктивний

🇵🇱 instynktowny

🇯🇵 本能的

🇫🇷 instinctif

🇪🇸 instintivo

🇹🇷 içgüdüsel

🇰🇷 본능적인

🇸🇦 غريزي

🇨🇿 instinktivní

🇸🇰 inštinktívny

🇨🇳 本能的

🇸🇮 instinktiven

🇮🇸 eðlislægur

🇰🇿 инстинктивті

🇬🇪 ინსტინქტური

🇦🇿 instinktiv

🇲🇽 instintivo

Word origin

The word 'instinctive' originates from the Latin word 'instinctivus', which is derived from 'instinctus', meaning 'impulse' or 'instinct'. The concept of instinct has long fascinated scientists and philosophers, as it refers to innate behaviors that are not learned but rather inherent in living beings. From animals following their instinctive survival mechanisms to humans trusting their gut feelings, the idea of instinctive actions is deeply ingrained in our understanding of behavior and decision-making.

See also: instinct, instinctively, instinctually.