instinctive

adjective in·stinc·tive \in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv\

: relating to or based on instinct : based on feelings or desires that do not come from thinking or learning

Full Definition of INSTINCTIVE

: of, relating to, or being instinct

: prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously <an instinctive fear of innovation — V. L. Parrington>

— in·stinc·tive·ly adverb

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First Known Use of INSTINCTIVE

15th century

Related to INSTINCTIVE

Synonyms: automatic, instinctual, involuntary, knee-jerk, mechanic, mechanical, robotic, spontaneous

Antonyms: nonmechanical

Synonym Discussion of INSTINCTIVE

spontaneous, impulsive, instinctive, automatic, mechanical mean acting or activated without deliberation. spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness <a spontaneous burst of applause>. impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment <impulsive acts of violence>. instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will <blinking is an instinctive reaction>. automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response <his denial was automatic>. mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response <a mechanical teaching method>.

INSTINCTIVE Defined for Kids