Instinctual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Psychologists often discuss instinctual behaviors as a factor in survival, where organisms respond automatically to threats or opportunities.
• Freud's theories included instinctual drives as fundamental to human psychology, affecting behavior and desires.

Biology

• In the animal kingdom, instinctual behaviors can include mating rituals, food gathering, and migration, which ensure species survival.
• Some species have evolved unique instinctual behaviors, such as the way some ants form supercolonies for defense.

Cultural Views

• Many cultures celebrate instinctual wisdom, viewing it as an important guide alongside learned knowledge and experience.
• In literature and film, characters often rely on instinctual decisions in critical moments to represent authenticity and truth.

Philosophy

• Philosophical discussions about instinctual behavior raise questions about free will, suggesting that some choices may be influenced by innate impulses.
• The contrast between instinct and reason is a common theme, exploring how human behavior is shaped by both inherent urges and conscious thinking.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'instinctual' comes from 'instinct,' which has roots in Latin, meaning 'to jump in' or 'to impel.'
• It originally referred to automatic behaviors that are not learned through experience but are hardwired in animals.

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.

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.

• ...
• 23248 walkers
• 23249 screech
• 23250 lamination
• 23251 instinctual
• 23252 reproved
• 23253 appeasement
• 23254 stairwell
• ...