instinctive

adjective
UK: /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/
US: /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/

  1. Based on instinct and not involving thought.

    1. His instinctive reaction was to protect the child.
    2. The baby's instinctive need for food made him cry loudly in the quiet room.

  2. Done automatically without thinking.

    1. She had an instinctive feeling that something was wrong.
    2. I had an instinctive dislike for him, I could not explain the negative feelings.

Synonyms

automatic natural involuntary unthinking intuitive
instinctive adverb

  1. In a way that shows instinct.

    1. The cat moved instinctively toward the sound.
    2. She instinctively knew how to handle the situation, which was good for the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "instinctive" in English means: Based on instinct and not involving thought., Done automatically without thinking..

The phonetic transcription of "instinctive" is /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/ in British English and /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "instinctive": automatic, natural, involuntary, unthinking, intuitive.

Example usage of "instinctive": "His instinctive reaction was to protect the child.". More examples on the page.