What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instinctive
Example
The baby's instinctive reflex was to grasp onto the finger. [instinctive: adjective]
Example
The bird's instinctive migration patterns are passed down from generation to generation. [instinctive: adjective]
intuitive
Example
She had an intuitive sense that something was wrong. [intuitive: adjective]
Example
The artist had an intuitive understanding of color and composition. [intuitive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intuitive is more commonly used than instinctive in everyday language. Intuitive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while instinctive is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as animal behavior or basic human responses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instinctive and intuitive?
Both instinctive and intuitive can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but intuitive may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with intellectual or creative pursuits.
