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.
"You've got to instinctively respond 'I'm British' to be part of it," he said.
From BBC
Mention technology stocks, and investors almost instinctively think of the U.S.
From Barron's
It was as if they instinctively side-stepped his body to keep him safe.
From Los Angeles Times
He hit superb lines, either hitting the ball up bravely into the heart of Wales defence or acting as a decoy, and worked instinctively with Northampton team-mate Fraser Dingwall inside him at 12.
From BBC
Most Americans understand this instinctively and reject government actions that violate their sense of what law and common decency permit.
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.
