instinct
Meaning
Instinct refers to an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals and humans that is often characterized by a natural, unlearned response to specific stimuli, serving as a fundamental mechanism for survival and adaptation within various environ
💡 While "instinct" is often used interchangeably with "intuition," it is important to note that instinct is primarily biological and automatic, whereas intuition can involve cognitive processing and personal experience.
Example Sentences
Word in Context
Every
morning
she
steps
onto
the
balcony
with
a
mug
of
tea
and
surveys
her
small
collection
of
potted
plants
,
taking
pleasure
in
their
quiet
growth
.
When
the
sky
darkened
unexpectedly
today
and
a
sharp
breeze
picked
up
,
her
instinct
told
her
to
gather
the
more
delicate
pots
before
they
toppled
.
She
moved
with
calm
efficiency
,
arranging
taller
supports
and
shifting
fragile
succulents
to
a
safer
corner
while
noting
which
needed
extra
water
.
Although
the
change
in
weather
was
brief
,
the
routine
of
checking
each
leaf
and
stem
reassured
her
that
she
had
prepared
for
potential
trouble
.
By
the
time
rain
began
,
she
stood
back
,
content
that
a
small
,
habitual
action
had
preserved
the
quiet
order
of
her
balcony
garden
.
Common Phrases
instinctual behavior
primal instinct
instinctive response
Related Words
Never forget "instinct"
Set a daily goal, reinforce with word cards and games, and track your progress in the Vocab5000 app — learn every C1 level word permanently with our science-based repetition system.
