Word
intuitively
Phoneticsin·tu·itive·ly
US/ˌɪnˈtuɪtɪvɫi/
UK/ɪntjˈuːɪtˌɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something based on what you feel is right, rather than using facts or logic. You use this when you just 'know' how to do something without being taught.
adv. in a way that involves using immediate insight or feelings rather than conscious reasoning. Often describes actions or understandings that occur without formal instruction or deliberate analysis.
Examples
“She intuitively knew that something was wrong.”
“The new software is designed so that users can navigate the interface intuitively without reading a manual.”
“Experienced clinicians often intuitively recognise a patient's condition before the lab results arrive, drawing on years of subconscious pattern recognition that bypasses formal diagnostic checklists.”
Examples
simple
“She intuitively knew that something was wrong.”
contextual
“The new software is designed so that users can navigate the interface intuitively without reading a manual.”
complex
“Experienced clinicians often intuitively recognise a patient's condition before the lab results arrive, drawing on years of subconscious pattern recognition that bypasses formal diagnostic checklists.”
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause.
Real-World Examples
“People intuitively turn to music in times of need.” “Rollerena seems to have understood this almost intuitively, resisting the slide into obscurity.” Etymology
From intuitive + -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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/intuitively