instinctively

Also in·stinc·tu·al·ly

[in-stingk-tiv-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of instinctively¹

instinctive ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Just a year into her tenure as the top of the magazine's masthead, Dame Anna had already made a name for herself as an editor who instinctively understood the zeitgeist.

From BBC

One juggled a football in the air and bicycle-kicked it towards the goalkeeper, who instinctively threw both legs behind his back and punted it away.

From BBC

The late Queen was careful to avoid public interventions in political matters, but the author says she was instinctively against the upheaval of Brexit.

From BBC

Ahnaf instinctively dropped to the ground, bracing his head with his hands.

From BBC

Urie, who played "Big Bob" O'Hara in River City, described how instinctively he ran for his life.

From BBC

Related Words

• intuitively 
• naturally