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adj

instinctive

ihn-STIHNGK-tihv
adj
1
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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Flinching from a loud noise is an _____ reaction.

Rhymes for instinctive

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial