English Reference
Adverb

intuitively

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US /ˌɪnˈtuɪtɪvɫi/ UK /ɪntjˈuːɪtˌɪvli/ in·tu·itive·ly

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.


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.

People intuitively turn to music in times of need.

Phys.org· 11 Aug 2026

Rollerena seems to have understood this almost intuitively, resisting the slide into obscurity.

JSTOR Daily· 24 Jun 2026

From intuitive + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated