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Instinctual: meaning, definitions and examples

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instinctual

 

[ ɪnˈstɪŋk.tʃu.əl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

natural behavior

Instinctual refers to behaviors or responses that happen automatically and without conscious thought. These responses are often innate and can be observed in both humans and animals. Instinctual actions arise from natural instincts, and they are not learned through experience. For example, certain reflexes or survival behaviors are considered instinctual as they are hardwired into an organism's biology.

Synonyms

inborn, innate, intuitive, natural

Examples of usage

  • The mother showed instinctual care for her newborn.
  • His instinctual reaction was to flee from danger.
  • Many animals have instinctual migration patterns.

Translations

Translations of the word "instinctual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instintivo

🇮🇳 स्वाभाविक (svabhavik)

🇩🇪 instinktiv

🇮🇩 instingtif

🇺🇦 інстинктивний

🇵🇱 instynktowny

🇯🇵 本能的な (honnō-teki na)

🇫🇷 instinctif

🇪🇸 instintivo

🇹🇷 içgüdüsel

🇰🇷 본능적인 (bonneungjeogin)

🇸🇦 غريزي (ghreezi)

🇨🇿 instinktivní

🇸🇰 inštinktívny

🇨🇳 本能的 (běnnéng de)

🇸🇮 instinktiven

🇮🇸 einstaklingslegt

🇰🇿 инстинктивті (instinktivti)

🇬🇪 ინსტინქტური (instink't'uri)

🇦🇿 instinktiv

🇲🇽 instintivo

Etymology

The word 'instinctual' originates from the Late Latin term 'instinctus', which means 'impulse' or 'instinct'. The Latin root 'instinctus' itself derives from 'instinguere', meaning 'to incite' or 'to urge'. This relationship underlines the concept of instinct as an innate drive or motivation. The transition to English reflects a growing interest in understanding animal and human behavior beyond the limits of reason and learned responses. During the 19th century, the study of psychology and behavior erupted, leading to terms like instinct and instinctual becoming more significant in understanding both animal and human actions. In contemporary discussions, 'instinctual' is often used in psychology, biology, and ethology to explain behaviors that occur naturally without the need for learning.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,251, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.