instinctive

[ in-stingk-tiv ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of instinct.
2. prompted by or resulting from or as if from instinct; natural; unlearned:

   an instinctive will to survive.

   Synonyms: unpremeditated, intuitive, spontaneous

instinctive

/ ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resulting from instinct
2. conditioned so as to appear innate

   an instinctive movement in driving

Derived Forms

• inˈstinctively, adverb

Other Words From

• in·stinc·tive·ly in·stinc·tu·al·ly adverb
• half-in·stinc·tive adjective
• non·in·stinc·tive adjective
• non·in·stinc·tu·al adjective
• sem·i-in·stinc·tive adjective
• un·in·stinc·tive adjective
• un·in·stinc·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instinctive¹

First recorded in 1640–50; instinct ¹ + -ive

Example Sentences

There is instinctive political unease here with his behaviour, his attitude to the law, convention, and the truth.

From BBC

Jones was a crucial connector of talent and repertoire; he had an instinctive sense of where artists should go to find success; he built a multimedia empire with an eye toward empowering people for whom show business didn’t always make room.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s instinctive,” coach Raymond Carter said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Spain international brings a calmness in intense situations; has an instinctive awareness of space; and absorbs information and then delivers on it.

From BBC

He told BBC Sport in 2014 that he knew exactly what people would say as soon as they recognised him: "The eyes. The eyes. Every time I meet people they want me to do the 'wild eyes'. It was an instinctive gesture that has stuck in people's minds. I have done it many, many times."

From BBC

Related Words

• impulsive
• ingrained
• inherent
• innate
• intuitive
• natural
• spontaneous
• visceral