Formed in the mid-17th century from instinct and -ive. Instinct comes through French or directly from Latin instinctus, meaning an impulse or prompting, from instinguere, to incite or impel.
FAQ
What does instinctive mean?
Instinctive means natural, automatic, or prompted by instinct rather than by training or careful thought.
Is instinctive the same as instinctual?
Instinctive and instinctual are near-synonyms. Instinctive often describes a specific reaction, while instinctual often sounds more analytical or scientific.
Can instinctive describe a person?
Yes. An instinctive player, leader, or artist acts with a natural feel that does not seem heavily planned.
Is instinctive an adverb?
No. The adverb is instinctively, as in She reacted instinctively.
Does instinctive always mean biological?
No. It can refer to inborn drives, but it also describes quick natural responses, distrust, sympathy, or skill.
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