What is Instinctive?

Struggling to find the perfect word to express yourself? “instinctive” is here to save the day! Learn this awesome word and add some sparkle to your writing and conversations.

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What does instinctive mean? In this video, we’ll learn the definition, synonyms, antonyms, and how to use the word in a sentence. If you have an instrument, you can even play along using the chords provided in the video.

Instinctive

/in-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv/

Instinctive is behavior or actions that aren’t thought about. Some synonyms are natural and automatic but not something that is planned and learned. 

Word Background

Imagine you’re playing fetch with your pet dog. You throw the ball, and without even thinking, your dog chases after it and brings it back to you. That’s an instinct!

An instinct is something you do naturally, without needing to learn or even think about it. It’s like a special superpower that helps animals (and even humans!) survive.  For example, a baby chick knows how to peck for food right after it hatches from its egg. It’s something they’re born knowing how to do, an instinct!

Humans have instincts too! When you feel scared, you might jump back or yell. That’s your body’s way of trying to keep you safe. Or, when you smell something delicious cooking, your stomach might growl – that’s an instinct telling you you’re hungry!

So, “instinctive” describes something you do naturally, without needing to think, just like your dog chasing a ball or your tummy rumbling for food!

Example Sentence

Without any lessons, the baby bird knew instinctively how to build its first nest.

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