C1adverbemotionshealth
US/ɪnˈstɪŋk.tɪv.li/
UK/ɪnˈstɪŋk.tɪv.li/
without thinking or planning, because of a natural feeling or reaction
In context
When the ball flew towards her face, she instinctively put up her hands.
Babies instinctively turn their heads toward their mother's voice.
I instinctively knew that something was wrong when I saw his face.
Words that go with instinctively
adverb + verb
- instinctively knowGood teachers instinctively know when a student is struggling.
- instinctively understandChildren instinctively understand when adults are not telling the truth.
- instinctively feelMany people instinctively feel uncomfortable in silence.
- instinctively reachedHe instinctively reached for his phone when it buzzed.
- instinctively turnWe instinctively turn towards a loud noise.
verb + adverb
- react instinctivelyIn an emergency, most people react instinctively rather than logically.