C1noun2K

UK/["/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/"]/US/["/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/"]/

Meaning of Instinct

a natural quality that makes people and animals tend to behave in a particular way using the knowledge and abilities that they were born with rather than thought or training

In simple words: A natural ability to know something without thinking about it.

Instinct in a sentence

  • Her instinct told her to run away from the danger.
  • The cat’s hunting instinct helps it catch mice efficiently.
  • Parents often rely on their instinct to protect their children.
  • Instinct can guide people when there is no time to think logically.
  • The decision to act was based on a deep emotional instinct rather than reasoning.

How to use Instinct

Use 'instinct' in discussions about animals or human behavior. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts but avoid it in very formal academic writing where you might use 'intuition' instead.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'in-stinct' as your inner guide instinctively telling you what to do.

Related words

Collocations with Instinct

Synonyms for Instinct

  • intuition
  • gut feeling
  • impulse
  • hunch
  • natural tendency

Opposites of Instinct

Common mistakes with Instinct

  • Mistakenly using 'instincts' as a verb.
  • Confusing 'instinct' with 'experience' or 'knowledge'.
  • Forgetting that 'instinct' can apply to both people and animals.

Instinct appears in

Instinct in other languages

More words like Instinct

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Frequently asked questions about Instinct

What does Instinct mean?

A natural ability to know something without thinking about it.

What is the definition of Instinct?

a natural quality that makes people and animals tend to behave in a particular way using the knowledge and abilities that they were born with rather than thought or training

How do you use Instinct in a sentence?

Her instinct told her to run away from the danger.

Can you give another example of Instinct?

The cat’s hunting instinct helps it catch mice efficiently.

What are synonyms for Instinct?

Common alternatives include intuition, gut feeling, impulse, hunch, natural tendency.

What is the opposite of Instinct?

Opposite meanings include reason, logic, calculation.

What words go with Instinct?

It commonly pairs with deep, powerful, strong, have, possess, lack, tell somebody something, drive somebody, guide somebody, by instinct, on instinct, instinct for, deep, powerful, strong, have, possess, lack, tell somebody something, drive somebody, guide somebody, by instinct, on instinct, instinct for.

What are common mistakes when using Instinct?

Mistakenly using 'instincts' as a verb. Confusing 'instinct' with 'experience' or 'knowledge'. Forgetting that 'instinct' can apply to both people and animals.

How do you pronounce Instinct?

US: /["/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/"]/, UK: /["/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Instinct?

Use 'instinct' in discussions about animals or human behavior. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts but avoid it in very formal academic writing where you might use 'intuition' instead.

What CEFR level is Instinct?

"Instinct" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.