instinctive

[ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv]

instinctive Definition

relating to or prompted by instinct; apparently unconscious or automatic..

Using instinctive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "instinctive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Her instinctive reaction was to run away.

  • Example

    He had an instinctive understanding of what the customer wanted.

  • Example

    The child's instinctive fear of the dark.

  • Example

    The athlete's instinctive reflexes helped him avoid injury.

instinctive Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for instinctive

Phrases with instinctive

  • behavior that is innate and unlearned, often exhibited by animals in response to certain stimuli

    Example

    The bird's instinctive behavior of building a nest.

  • an immediate and automatic response to a stimulus, without conscious thought

    Example

    His instinctive reaction was to duck when he heard the loud noise.

  • instinctive knowledge

    knowledge that is not learned but rather innate, often related to survival or self-preservation

    Example

    The baby has instinctive knowledge of how to suckle for milk.

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Summary: instinctive in Brief

The term 'instinctive' [ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv] refers to actions or reactions that are innate, natural, and often automatic. It can describe behaviors like building a nest or avoiding danger, as well as reactions like ducking from a loud noise. 'Instinctive' is the opposite of learned or deliberate, and can be used formally in contexts like psychology or biology.