Word
intuition
Phoneticsin·tu·ition
US/ˌɪntuˈɪʃən/
UK/ɪntjuːˈɪʃən/
Definitions
01the ability to know
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the power to understand something instantly without using logic or evidence.
n. the cognitive faculty of obtaining direct knowledge or belief without evident rational thought or inference.
“She had a strong intuition that something was wrong, even though everyone seemed happy.”
“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.
Synonyms
02a specific feeling or insight
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a specific feeling or idea that comes from your instinct rather than facts.
n. a specific insight, idea, or 'gut feeling' produced by the intuitive faculty.
“My intuition told me not to trust the salesman, so I walked away.”
“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.
Real-World Examples
“For decades, both scientific theories and everyday intuition have tended to describe decision-making as a sequence.” “But I don't think it was meant to be literally true: I think it was meant to capture this intuition that dialogue on social media is more negative than it needs to be.” Etymology
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.
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
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englishreference.com/q/intuition