adj C1 Advanced

instinctive

ihn-STIHNGK-tihv

Instinctive (adj) means coming naturally and automatically, without thinking it through. Example: “Flinching from a loud noise is an instinctive reaction.”

adj

Coming naturally and automatically, without thinking it through.

"Flinching from a loud noise is an instinctive reaction."

"Her instinctive response was to protect the child."

How to use instinctive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something you do without deliberate thought — it just happens.

Common pairings

instinctive reaction instinctive fear purely instinctive

Word forms

more instinctive comparative, most instinctive superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

Flinching from a loud noise is an _____ reaction.

Rhymes for instinctive

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently asked questions

What does “instinctive” mean?

The word “instinctive” means coming naturally and automatically, without thinking it through. In plain terms, describes something you do without deliberate thought — it just happens.

How do you pronounce “instinctive”?

“Instinctive” is pronounced ihn-STIHNGK-tihv (/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “instinctive” in a sentence?

Here is “instinctive” used in a sentence: “Flinching from a loud noise is an instinctive reaction.”

What part of speech is “instinctive”?

“Instinctive” is an adjective.

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