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
Etymology
Origin of instinctively
Explanation
Acting instinctively means doing something without thinking because it comes naturally to you—like catching a ball thrown your way or dodging out of danger. The adverb instinctively comes from the noun instinct, which refers to "an innate, natural response." When you react instinctively, you’re relying on automatic impulses or "gut feelings," often without realizing it. For instance, if you instinctively reach out to catch a falling object or flinch when startled, your brain is bypassing conscious thought to help keep you safe.
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.
Mr. Jones describes a freshwater snail that, sensing a predator, instinctively climbs or descends depending on where the perceived threat tends to hunt.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
That may also explain why, more than seven decades later, Indians continue to reach instinctively for the hunger strike.
From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026
Others argue, with some force, that the true definition of “risk” is one that everyone on Main Street would instinctively understand: Forget the volatility — what are the chances I will lose my money?
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
Newhouse was instinctively private, but behind that, Boccardi said, was a generous man, at home anywhere and curious about everything.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026
I instinctively reached behind with my left hand and scooped up a rotten strawberry.
From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez
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.
