instinctively — in a way that is based on instinct rather than thought or training
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a way that is based on instinct rather than thought or training
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/
Example Sentences
- I instinctively reached for my phone when I heard a notification, even though I was supposed to be digital detoxing.
- The cat instinctively knew which human would give it the most treats.
- Parents instinctively protect their children from danger.
instinctively
ADVERB[/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/]
in a way that is based on instinct rather than thought or training
She instinctively grabbed the falling baby before her mind caught up.
The deer instinctively ran away when it sensed the wolf. (🧠 Natural + ⚡ Automatically → Instinctively)
By acting instinctively, the rare species avoided becoming extinct and remained distinct.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'instinctus,' the past participle of 'instinguere' (to urge, to incite), meaning literally 'driven by impulse.' It evolved to denote action prompted by innate impulse or intuition rather than conscious deliberation.
Breakdown
in- (in, into) + stinguere (to prick, urge) + -ive (adjective suffix) + -ly (adverb suffix), forming an adverb that describes behavior driven by inner impulse.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I instinctively reached for my phone when I heard a notification, even though I was supposed to be digital detoxing.”
“The cat instinctively knew which human would give it the most treats.”
“Parents instinctively protect their children from danger.”
“She instinctively ducked when she saw the frisbee flying toward her head.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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