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.
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 • Mar. 30, 2026
When people try to focus on a faint sound, many instinctively shut their eyes.
From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026
Two of them seemed puzzled by the phrase, struggling to parse out its meaning, while the third instinctively got it.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026
The team sergeant instinctively put his freezing metal compass between his lips, and nearly got a frost injury.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
Even the first-time mothers knew what to do instinctively.
From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown
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.
