instinctive

[ in-stingk-tiv ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of instinct.
2. prompted by or resulting from or as if from instinct; natural; unlearned:

   an instinctive will to survive.

   Synonyms: unpremeditated, intuitive, spontaneous

instinctive

/ ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resulting from instinct
2. conditioned so as to appear innate

   an instinctive movement in driving

Derived Forms

• inˈstinctively, adverb

Other Words From

• in·stinc·tive·ly in·stinc·tu·al·ly adverb
• half-in·stinc·tive adjective
• non·in·stinc·tive adjective
• non·in·stinc·tu·al adjective
• sem·i-in·stinc·tive adjective
• un·in·stinc·tive adjective
• un·in·stinc·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instinctive¹

First recorded in 1640–50; instinct ¹ + -ive

Example Sentences

Gilbert and Ratelle had played together since they were boys in Montreal and had an instinctive sense of where the other would be on any given play.

From Washington Post

When I said no, there’s an instinctive element to it, I was heavily criticized.

From Vox

The communication slowly began to feel more instinctive as they practiced walking city streets.

From Washington Post

These organizations have an instinctive feel for consistently delighting customers, making the experience itself a reason to come back and a reason to recommend to others.

From Digiday

Ultimately, I was looking for the cues that trigger instinctive behaviors in mice.

From Quanta Magazine

Fortunately for the GOP, Americans have an instinctive appreciation for the seriousness of the charges facing the IRS.

From The Daily Beast

Simmons, an instinctive high roller (his chief assistant was even named "Mogel"), did not require much convincing.

From The Daily Beast

He and I were still learning how to accomplish the instinctive art of breastfeeding.

From The Daily Beast

In each role he seemed to be behaving, not acting; every gesture and inflection was instinctive.

From The Daily Beast

At the age of 9, Daniel Radcliffe was catapulted towards Harry Potter and Hollywood immortality by a single, instinctive wink.

From The Daily Beast

High-minded and possessing a keen sense of honor himself, he had an instinctive aversion to anything mean or low in others.

From Project Gutenberg

Only by Smith's instinctive sense of direction did we make any headway toward the mouth of Sage Creek.

From Project Gutenberg

She was struck with his singularity, and impressed with an instinctive consciousness of his peculiar genius.

From Project Gutenberg

Blood-shed, oppression, extortion, and all the instinctive habits of the shrewd savage were again rife.

From Project Gutenberg

I recognize her with that instinctive certainty that is stronger than all convictions supported by all the proofs imaginable.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• impulsive
• ingrained
• inherent
• innate
• intuitive
• natural
• spontaneous
• visceral