intuitive

[in-too-i-tiv, -tyoo-]

adjective

1. perceiving directly by intuition without rational thought, as a person or the mind.

2. perceived by, resulting from, or involving intuition.

   intuitive knowledge.

   Synonyms: natural, inborn, innate

3. having or possessing intuition.

   an intuitive person.

4. capable of being perceived or known by intuition.

5. easy to understand or operate without explicit instruction.

   an intuitive design;

   an intuitive interface.

intuitive

/ ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv /

adjective

1. resulting from intuition

   an intuitive awareness

2. of, characterized by, or involving intuition

Other Word Forms

• intuitively adverb
• intuitiveness noun
• nonintuitive adjective
• nonintuitiveness noun
• quasi-intuitive adjective
• unintuitive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intuitive¹

From the Medieval Latin word intuitīvus, dating back to 1585–95. See intuition, -ive

Example Sentences

That heightened sensitivity allowed us to meet in a very intuitive, embodied space.

From Los Angeles Times

The creative act is intuitive and spontaneous, and I think it makes a symmetry with the cycles and forms of nature.

From Los Angeles Times

An intuitive understanding of when a party is unsalvageable — and when it’s worth sticking around for the dip.

From Salon

It’s beautiful folk pop featuring the kind of intuitive harmonies that only siblings can pull off.

From Los Angeles Times

While some statistics paint a more optimistic picture — especially when the data is carefully selected and narrowly framed — it is important to centerpiece that most people evaluate the economy in broad, intuitive terms.

From Salon

Related Words

• emotional 
• innate 
• perceptive 
• spontaneous 
• visceral