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instinctively

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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From instinctive +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Hyphenation: in‧stinc‧tive‧ly

Adverb

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instinctively (comparative more instinctively, superlative most instinctively)

  1. Innately; by instinct; without being taught.
    Fish instinctively know how to swim; most humans don't.
    • 1891, Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, volume 1, London: James R. Osgood, McIlvaine and Co., page 26:
      She loved him so passionately, and he was so godlike in her eyes; and being, though untrained, instinctively refined, her nature cried for his tutelary guidance.
    • 1934, Agatha Christie, chapter 9, in Murder on the Orient Express, London: HarperCollins, published 2017, page 270:
      'I am, perhaps, overgreedy, but I sense a good cook instinctively.'

Synonyms

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Translations

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