Word
instinctively
Phoneticsin·stinc·tive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈstɪŋktɪvˌɫi/
UK/ɪnstˈɪŋktɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something naturally without having to think or learn about it first. It describes an action that comes from a feeling inside you rather than a planned decision.
adv. performed by natural impulse or without conscious thought. Refers to an innate or automatic response to a stimulus.
Examples
“She instinctively reached out to catch the falling glass.”
“When the loud noise echoed through the hall, the crowd instinctively ducked for cover.”
“Experienced pilots often react instinctively to sudden turbulence, making micro-adjustments to the controls before their conscious mind has fully processed the nature of the mechanical failure.”
Examples
simple
“She instinctively reached out to catch the falling glass.”
contextual
“When the loud noise echoed through the hall, the crowd instinctively ducked for cover.”
complex
“Experienced pilots often react instinctively to sudden turbulence, making micro-adjustments to the controls before their conscious mind has fully processed the nature of the mechanical failure.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause to describe the nature of an action.
Real-World Examples
“Each time I open the front door, I still instinctively expect to see her wagging tail.” “Instinctively, I want to be on the side of the police.” Etymology
From instinctive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/instinctively