instinctively

[ in-stingk-tiv-lee ]

/ ɪnˈstɪŋk tɪv li /

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See synonyms for instinctively on Thesaurus.com

adverb

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.

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Also in·stinc·tu·al·ly .

Origin of instinctively

instinctive + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM instinctively

half-in·stinc·tive·ly, adverbnon·in·stinc·tive·ly, adverbnon·in·stinc·tu·al·ly, adverbsem·i-in·stinc·tive·ly, adverb

un·in·stinc·tive·ly, adverb

Words nearby instinctively

instillation, instillator, instilled, instinct, instinctive, instinctively, in stitches, institute, instituter, institutes, institution

How to use instinctively in a sentence

Or perhaps we instinctively classify Cubans as a people accustomed to being told what it is they need and want.
Castro's Hipster Apologists Want to Keep Cuba ‘Authentically’ Poor|Michael Moynihan|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And he instinctively understood the marketplace—whether of ideas or something more concrete.
Oh Yes, He’s The Great Connector: Jason Hirschhorn’s Expertly Curated World|Lloyd Grove|October 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Most Republicans blanch instinctively at the political rhetoric of “the new Cleveland.”
The GOP Flees to the Cleve|James Poulos|July 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As citizens of a multiethnic country that is only about 60 percent ethnic Persian, every Iranian instinctively understands this.
Iran Is the Biggest Loser in Iraq|Aki Peritz|June 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Instinctively, Obama talks about rising inequality, global warming, and attacks on college campuses.
Obama Can Speak to His Base, but Other Americans Want More|Lloyd Green|May 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The motherly woman received the babe instinctively and cast aside the travelling-rug in which he was enveloped.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Instinctively he tried to hide both pain and anger—it could only increase this distance that was already there.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
Bonaparte already foresaw the day when France should lie at his feet; he instinctively divined in Bernadotte a possible rival.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
She caught the hand which Oliver instinctively placed in hers, and, blowing out the light, drew him after her up the stairs.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens
His open brow lowered, and his fingers instinctively began playing with the hilt of his sabre.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various