What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intuitively
Example
She knew intuitively that something was wrong. [intuitively: adverb]
Example
He had an intuitive sense of how to solve the problem. [intuitive: adjective]
spontaneously
Example
They spontaneously burst into song when they heard their favorite tune. [spontaneously: adverb]
Example
The audience gave a spontaneous round of applause. [spontaneous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spontaneously is more commonly used than intuitively in everyday language. Spontaneously is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while intuitively is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intuitively and spontaneously?
Both intuitively and spontaneously can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but intuitively may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with decision-making and problem-solving.
