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
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.
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
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
With his James Bond 1990 vibe, Colin is the partner one instinctively prefers, unless one has a natural liking for Eagle Scout types.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026
Child X was just acting like any kid who might, for example, throw a favorite baby doll across the room, but instinctively knows not to do the same thing with a baby sister.
From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
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.
