Dictionary
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
1
: of, relating to, or being instinct
2
: prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously <an instinctive fear of innovation — V. L. Parrington>
— in·stinc·tive·ly adverb
See instinctive defined for English-language learners
See instinctive defined for kids
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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>.
INSTINCTIVELY Defined for Kids
instinctive
adjective in·stinc·tive \in-ˈstiŋk-tiv\
Definition of INSTINCTIVE for Kids
: of or relating to instinct : resulting from instinct <instinctive behavior>
— in·stinc·tive·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
instinctive
adjective in·stinc·tive \in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv\
Medical Definition of INSTINCTIVE
1
: of, relating to, or being instinct
2
: derived from or prompted by instinct <an instinctive fear>
—in·stinc·tive·ly adverb
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