What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instinctively
Example
She instinctively knew how to swim when she fell into the water. [instinctively: adverb]
Example
The baby bird instinctively opened its mouth when it saw its mother with food. [instinctively: adverb]
innately
Example
She was innately talented at playing the piano, even as a child. [innately: adverb]
Example
Some people are innately more optimistic than others. [innately: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instinctively is more commonly used than innately in everyday language, especially in contexts related to animal behavior or human reflexes. Innately is less common but can be used to describe a person's natural talents or personality traits.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instinctively and innately?
Both instinctively and innately are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
