Instinctively - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Instinctively means acting or reacting naturally, without conscious thought, often due to innate behavior or habit. For example, a person might instinctively catch a falling object.
Definition:
Acting without conscious thought, driven by innate behavior or natural impulse.
Synonyms:
intuitively, automatically, spontaneously, impulsively
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
deliberately, consciously
Common Collocations:
react instinctively, act instinctively, move instinctively, respond instinctively
Derivatives:
instinctive, instinctual
Usage Tips:
Use "instinctively" to describe actions done without thinking, often due to natural or learned behavior.
Common Phrases:
follow your instincts, gut reaction, knee-jerk reaction
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "instinctus," meaning "impulse," combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly."
Examples:
- 1. She instinctively reached out to catch the falling glass.
- 2. He ducked instinctively when the ball flew toward his head.
- 3. The dog growled instinctively at the unfamiliar noise.
- 4. Babies cry instinctively when they need attention.