Instinct
'ɪnstɪŋkt
Definitions
2 meaningsA natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity.
'ɪnstɪŋkt
An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli.
Her instincts told her something was wrong.
💡 Simply: It's like a built-in program or a natural feeling that tells you what to do without thinking. Like, you might have an instinct to run away from danger, or a baby has an instinct to cry when hungry.
👶 For kids: A feeling inside you that tells you what to do. Like if a baby sees food, it has an instinct to eat it!
More Examples
A mother's instinct is to protect her children.
The bird's instinct was to build a nest in the spring.
How It's Used
"Migratory birds have an instinct to fly south for the winter."
"Babies have an instinct to suckle."
A natural way of acting or thinking, or a natural ability.
'ɪnstɪŋkt
An intuitive feeling not based on conscious reasoning.
Her instinct was to help.
💡 Simply: It's like a gut feeling – you just *know* something without really understanding why. For example, you might have an instinct to trust someone, or to avoid a certain situation.
👶 For kids: A feeling in your tummy that tells you what's right, even if you don't know why.
More Examples
I followed my instincts and it led me to success.
His instinct to protect those around him was always very strong.
How It's Used
"I had an instinct that I should take the train, and it turned out to be the right choice."
"Her instincts about the market were often right."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
by instinct
Acting naturally, without thinking.
"She knew how to swim by instinct, even though no one had taught her."
From Latin *instinctus* ('impulse, inspiration'), the past participle of *instinguere* ('to incite, stimulate'), from *in-* ('in, on') + *stinguere* ('to prick, goad').
The word 'instinct' has been used since the 16th century to describe innate behavior in animals and, later, in humans.
Memory tip
Think of a dog's instinct to chase a ball – it's just built in.
Word Origin
"to incite, stimulate"