intuitive

intuitive — adjective

1. describing a feeling, belief, or judgment that comes from an inner sense of what

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing a feeling, belief, or judgment that comes from an inner sense of what is true or right, without the person having to examine facts step by step.

例句

Felipe had an intuitive sense that the job offer was not right for him.

intuitive sense + that-clause

Amelia's intuitive reaction to the stranger was one of caution and distrust.

同義詞
  • instinctive

    Refers more to automatic biological behaviour rather than a conscious feeling; e.g. 'an instinctive fear of snakes'

  • unconscious

    Describes a process happening below awareness; weaker sense of deliberate perception than 'intuitive'

  • spontaneous

    Focuses on the sudden, unplanned nature of the response rather than the inner-feeling source

反義詞
  • analytical

    Based on careful, step-by-step examination of facts rather than inner feeling

  • reasoned

    Arrived at through logical thinking rather than intuition

用法筆記

Use this sense when describing a feeling or belief itself, not the person who has it. For describing a person, see sense 2 (HAVING INTUITION). Distinguish from 'instinctive' (which describes inborn biological behaviour, such as a baby's instinct to suckle) and 'innate' (which describes a natural quality present from birth, such as an innate sense of rhythm).

常見錯誤

❌I had an intuitive about the answer.
✅I had an intuitive feeling about the answer.
💡'intuitive' is an adjective; use 'intuition' (noun) for the thing itself.
❌Birds have an intuitive ability to build nests.
✅Birds have an instinctive ability to build nests.
💡'instinctive' is used for inborn biological behaviours; 'intuitive' describes a conscious feeling or understanding.

2. describes a person who naturally notices or understands things by relying on the

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a person who naturally notices or understands things by relying on their inner feelings, without needing to reason slowly or examine the evidence carefully.

例句

Lan is an intuitive cook who never looks at written recipes.

intuitive + noun for a person type (cook, thinker, designer)

Highly intuitive about her friends' feelings, Elena could tell when someone was upset.

同義詞
  • perceptive

    Emphasises the accuracy of noticing things rather than the feeling-based source; slightly more formal

  • insightful

    Suggests deep understanding gained through intuition; more intellectual in tone

  • discerning

    Focuses on the ability to make fine judgements; often used for taste or quality

反義詞
  • obtuse

    Slow to understand or notice things; the opposite of intuitive awareness

  • unobservant

    Failing to notice what is happening around you

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (BASED ON INTUITION), which describes feelings or decisions, this sense describes the person's ability. Common in workplace and character descriptions: 'intuitive leader', 'intuitive problem-solver'.

常見錯誤

❌She is intuitive to people's needs.
✅She is intuitive about people's needs.
💡The usual preposition is 'about', not 'to'.

3. describes a tool, system, or design that people can understand and operate immed

3.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a tool, system, or design that people can understand and operate immediately, without having to read instructions or acquire new skills first.

例句

The new ticket machine is intuitive enough for a child to operate alone.

intuitive enough + to-infinitive

Trang loves the camera because its controls feel simple and intuitive.

同義詞
  • user-friendly

    Broader term that includes good design and clear instructions; 'intuitive' is more specific about needing no learning

  • straightforward

    Emphasises simplicity and lack of complexity rather than immediate understanding

  • simple

    More general; 'intuitive' adds the idea that the simplicity comes from natural expectations

反義詞
  • complicated

    Hard to understand or use; requires effort to figure out

  • counterintuitive

    Behaving in a way opposite to what a person would naturally expect

  • confusing

    Causing uncertainty because the design does not match expectations

用法筆記

This sense is most common in reviews of products, apps, and websites. 'Intuitive' in this sense does not mean the user is intuitive — it means the product itself is easy to grasp. Frequently used with: 'interface', 'design', 'controls', 'layout', 'navigation'.

常見錯誤

❌The instructions are very intuitive.
✅The software is very intuitive.
💡If you need instructions at all, the product is not truly intuitive. An intuitive product works without a manual.
❌This game is intuitive to learn.
✅This game is intuitive to play.
💡'Intuitive' describes ease of operation during use, not the learning process.