instinctively

[ 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 Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of instinctively¹

instinctive ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Zuraya Hadad instinctively winces as we watch a video of the incident in which her ribs were broken by a masked man wielding a large stick.

From BBC

As I waited for brain surgery, I instinctively pressed record on my phone camera, thinking I might be documenting the final months of my life.

From BBC

“I heard about animals in distress that instinctively knew that they need help from humans. I was thinking that this is one smart whale.”

From BBC

While as a political party, Labour is instinctively uncomfortable with Donald Trump’s re-election, when it comes to defence there is some sympathy with his attitude towards European defence funding.

From BBC

He added his client pulled out the knife "in the heat of the moment" and instinctively stabbed Mr Crewe, "a much bigger man", because he feared for his own safety.

From BBC

Related Words

• intuitively
• naturally