Instinctive
/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/
Definitions
Relating to or prompted by instinct; not learned or considered.
/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/
Acting or done automatically without conscious thought.
His instinctive reaction was to protect his family.
💡 Simply: Like when you jump back from a hot stove without thinking! It's something you do automatically, not because you planned it. It's like a superpower built into your brain!
👶 For kids: Doing something without even thinking about it, like when a baby knows how to suck on its mom's finger to eat.
More Examples
The cat's instinctive hunting skills are impressive.
She had an instinctive understanding of the situation.
How It's Used
"Birds build nests through instinctive behaviors."
"An instinctive response to danger is often the 'fight or flight' reaction."
"She had an instinctive feel for what the audience would like."
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, incitement), past participle of *instinguere* (to incite, instigate), from *in-* (in) + *stinguere* (to prick, goad).
The word 'instinctive' gained popularity in the 19th century with the rise of evolutionary biology and psychology, where instinct played a central role in understanding animal and human behavior.
Memory tip
Think of an animal's instinct – it acts without having to be taught. This is what makes something instinctive.