What does "intuition" mean?

1. (the ability to know) the power to understand something instantly without using logic or evidence. 2. (a specific feeling or insight) a specific feeling or idea that comes from your instinct rather than facts.

How do you use "intuition"?

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general ability. Commonly used as a countable noun with 'an' or in the plural.

intuition

US //ˌɪntuˈɪʃən// UK //ɪntjuːˈɪʃən// in·tu·ition

1 the ability to know (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the power to understand something instantly without using logic or evidence.

the cognitive faculty of obtaining direct knowledge or belief without evident rational thought or inference.

Example

She had a strong intuition that something was wrong, even though everyone seemed happy.

Example

Experienced detectives often rely on intuition to guide their initial investigations before they have gathered sufficient forensic evidence.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general ability.
- instinct
- sixth sense
- reasoning
- logic
2 a specific feeling or insight (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a specific feeling or idea that comes from your instinct rather than facts.

a specific insight, idea, or 'gut feeling' produced by the intuitive faculty.

Example

My intuition told me not to trust the salesman, so I walked away.

Example

The CEO's intuitions about market trends frequently proved more accurate than the data-driven projections provided by his analysts.

Usage

Commonly used as a countable noun with 'an' or in the plural.

Origin

From Middle French intuition, from Medieval Latin intuitiō (“a looking at, immediate cognition”), from Latin intueor (“to look at, consider”), from in- (“in, on”) + tueor (“to look, watch, guard, see, observe”). Equivalent to intuit + -ion.

Word family

Nounintuition
Adjectiveintuitive