instinctively
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is innate, unlearned, or not under conscious control.
A smiling mouth raises the pitch of the voice, which is instinctively perceived as less dominant and more approachable.
My few friends were often unavailable for play, so I instinctively turned to the family dog.
-
in a way that stems from natural insight or inclination; intuitively.
The exhibits are intended to be used instinctively, and the instructions and explanations are easy to understand.
Other Word Forms
- half-instinctively adverb
- noninstinctively adverb
- noninstinctually adverb
- semi-instinctively adverb
- uninstinctively adverb
Etymology
Origin of instinctively
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He stripped off his cloak, hung it on the hook, then instinctively attempted to remove the monocle that was no longer there.
From Literature
Most parents instinctively understand this, which is why AI is being hyped as a way to give kids more socializing-at-school time.
From Salon
But she said it was wrong to instinctively blame parents.
From BBC
When people try to focus on a faint sound, many instinctively shut their eyes.
From Science Daily
Her world consisted of this cubicle and the corridor outside—and soon I began to see the wisdom of this narrowed vision, and why prisoners instinctively shied away from questions about their larger lives.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
