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

The left-handed Campbell attempted a slog sweep off Jadeja and Sudharsan instinctively held on to the ball with his helmet, chest and hands as he ducked for cover.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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Related Words

• intuitively 
• naturally