adv C1 Advanced Uncommon

instinctively

ihn-STIHNGK-tihv-lee

Instinctively (adv) means Automatically, by instinct, without stopping to think or being taught. Example: “She instinctively ducked as the ball flew toward her.”

adv

Automatically, by instinct, without stopping to think or being taught.

"She instinctively ducked as the ball flew toward her."

How to use instinctively

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDone on impulse, without conscious decision-making.

Common pairings

instinctively knew instinctively reach for

Word forms

more instinctively comparative, most instinctively superlative

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She _____ ducked as the ball flew toward her.

Rhymes for instinctively

rely comely lonely timely lovely homely widely lively lately rarely barely likely

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Frequently asked questions

What does “instinctively” mean?

The word “instinctively” means automatically, by instinct, without stopping to think or being taught. In plain terms, done on impulse, without conscious decision-making.

How do you pronounce “instinctively”?

“Instinctively” is pronounced ihn-STIHNGK-tihv-lee (/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/ in IPA).

How do you use “instinctively” in a sentence?

Here is “instinctively” used in a sentence: “She instinctively ducked as the ball flew toward her.”

What part of speech is “instinctively”?

“Instinctively” is an adverb.

Is “instinctively” a common word?

“Instinctively” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.