instinctive — relating to or prompted by instinct; apparently unconscious or automatic
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: relating to or prompted by instinct; apparently unconscious or automatic
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/
Example Sentences
- His instinctive move to catch the falling phone saved it from breaking.
- My instinctive fear of spiders made me scream at the tiny house spider.
- She has an instinctive ability to know when someone is lying.
instinctive
ADJECTIVE[/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/]
relating to or prompted by instinct; apparently unconscious or automatic
The goalkeeper's instinctive dive saved the penalty in the final second.
The deer's instinctive escape saved it from the wolf.
The animal's instinctive behavior was distinctive and highly protective of its young.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'instinctus', the past participle of 'instinguere', meaning 'to urge on' or 'to impel'. The original sense conveyed the image of an inner force pricking or stimulating one to action, as if driven by an invisible impulse from within.
Breakdown
instinctus (past participle of instinguere, meaning 'urged on' or 'impelled') + -ive (adjective-forming suffix denoting a quality or tendency).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His instinctive move to catch the falling phone saved it from breaking.”
“My instinctive fear of spiders made me scream at the tiny house spider.”
“She has an instinctive ability to know when someone is lying.”
“The cat's instinctive hunting skills kicked in when it saw the laser pointer.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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