What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unconsciously
Example
She unconsciously tapped her foot while waiting for the bus. [unconsciously: adverb]
Example
He was unconsciously humming a tune while working on his project. [unconsciously: adverb]
instinctively
Example
The baby instinctively reached out to grab the toy. [instinctively: adverb]
Example
She instinctively knew which path to take in the forest. [instinctively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unconsciously is less common than instinctively in everyday language. Unconsciously is more commonly used in psychology or medical contexts, while instinctively is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unconsciously and instinctively?
Both unconsciously and instinctively are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
