instinct — an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in response to certain stimuli
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in response to certain stimuli
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
Example Sentences
- My first instinct was to hide behind the couch when my mother-in-law arrived unannounced.
- She has a good instinct for business and always knows when to invest.
- His instinct told him not to trust the salesman who kept saying 'trust me.'
instinct
NOUN[/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/]
an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in response to certain stimuli
The mother bird followed her instinct to protect her chicks.
The deer relied on its instinct to escape the wolf. (🧠 Natural Feeling + ⚡ Automatic Reaction → Instinct)
Instinct keeps us distinct from the extinct.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin instinguere, meaning 'to prick' or 'to urge.' The term metaphorically describes innate behavioral impulses, as if an internal force were prodding one to act, eventually becoming the word for natural, involuntary inclination or aptitude.
Breakdown
in- (in, within) + stinguere (to prick, urge), from the past participle instinctus. The prefix in- indicates the internal source, while stinguere carries the sense of being driven or impelled from within.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My first instinct was to hide behind the couch when my mother-in-law arrived unannounced.”
“She has a good instinct for business and always knows when to invest.”
“His instinct told him not to trust the salesman who kept saying 'trust me.'”
“The mother's protective instinct kicked in when she saw a stranger approaching her child.”
📚Related Words
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