Intuited Meaning: Definition and Examples

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intuited

[ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

understanding something

To intuit means to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning. It involves a deep-seated sense or perception that arises from one’s inner feelings rather than through analytical thought.

Synonyms

comprehend, detect, grasp, perceive, sense.

Examples of usage

  • She intuitively knew that he was lying.
  • He intuited the answers before they were explained.
  • They intuit the emotional needs of others.
  • The artist can often intuit the mood of the audience.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Psychologists believe that intuition blends our experiences and learned information, often guiding our decisions.
  • Research shows that people often rely on their intuitive feelings when making choices, particularly under pressure.
  • Intuitive decisions can be faster than analytical ones, but they may not always be accurate.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophers, like Kant, argue that intuition is a fundamental part of how we perceive the world.
  • Intuition can be seen as a form of knowledge that does not always require empirical evidence.
  • Existentialists often emphasize personal intuition as critical in navigating life's choices.

Pop Culture

  • Intuition is a common theme in movies and books, portraying characters who 'just know' what to do, like superheroes sensing danger.
  • Famous figures, including artists and inventors, have credited their successes to trusting their intuitive feelings.
  • In contemporary self-help, following one's intuition is frequently promoted as a way to achieve personal fulfillment.

Science

  • Studies in cognitive science suggest that intuition can be influenced by the brain's patterns and connections formed over time.
  • Neuroscience researchers have found that the gut feeling in decision-making might actually be rooted in the brain's processing of complex information.
  • Intuition is often linked to emotional responses, which can play a significant role in our choices without us even realizing it.

Origin of 'intuited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'intuitus', which means 'to look at' or 'to consider'.
  • It has evolved over the centuries to indicate a deeper, instinctual form of understanding.
  • Related words include 'intuition', which reflects a natural ability to know something without conscious reasoning.

The word 'intuit' comes from the Latin 'intueri', which means 'to look at, to consider'. It is composed of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'upon' and 'tuere' meaning 'to look at'. The term evolved in the English language through the Middle French 'intuiter'. The concept of intuition implies the ability to acquire knowledge without inference or evidence; essentially, it's a form of immediate understanding or insight. This idea has deep philosophical roots, often associated with thinkers like Plato and Descartes, who considered intuition as a way to grasp truths that go beyond empirical observation. The verb 'intuit' surfaced in English in the 19th century, highlighting its acceptance in discussions about cognition and human perception.