instinctively

IPA/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/
KK[ˌɪnstˈɪŋktɪvlˌi]IPA/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/

instinctively — adverb

1. doing something automatically because of a natural, inborn reaction, without nee

1.副詞B2
釋義

doing something automatically because of a natural, inborn reaction, without needing to stop and think about it first

例句

Yuki instinctively pulled her hand away from the hot stove.

instinctively + physical reaction (pull away)

Isabela instinctively knew that her brother was hiding something important from the family.

instinctively + mental verb + that-clause

同義詞
  • automatically

    more general — suggests habitual or mechanical action, not necessarily inborn

  • reflexively

    stronger emphasis on physical reflex, especially involving the body's automatic response system

  • unconsciously

    focuses on the absence of awareness rather than the inborn nature of the action

  • intuitively

    describes a mental sense of knowing rather than an automatic physical reaction

反義詞
  • deliberately

    implies careful thought and intention before acting

  • consciously

    highlights full awareness of the decision to act

  • intentionally

    emphasises that the action was planned or purposeful

用法筆記

Most frequent in narrative past tense describing quick, unplanned physical actions. Less common in formal or academic registers, where phrases like 'by instinct' or 'without conscious thought' may be preferred.

常見錯誤

Cynthia intuitively pulled her hand from the fire.
Cynthia instinctively pulled her hand from the fire.
💡'Intuitively' describes a feeling of knowing something without proof; 'instinctively' describes an automatic, unlearned physical or mental reaction.