instinctively
/ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/ (ame, ipa) · /-tə̇vlē, -li/ (ame, mw)
instinctively — adverb
1. if you do something instinctively, you do it automatically because of a natural
if you do something instinctively, you do it automatically because of a natural inner feeling or quality, without stopping to think or plan
Elena instinctively stepped back when the snake moved suddenly across the path.
collocation: instinctively stepped back (physical reaction)
The little girl instinctively grabbed her mother's hand when the dog barked loudly.
collocation: instinctively grabbed + noun (protective gesture)
Amara knew instinctively that the old bridge was not safe to cross after the storm.
When the ball came flying toward his face, Boris instinctively raised both arms to block it.
Yuki's hands instinctively moved to catch the falling vase before it hit the floor.
- intuitively
more about knowing or sensing; 'instinctively' is broader and covers physical actions too
- automatically
can describe mechanical/habitual actions; 'instinctively' specifically relates to inborn nature, not habit
- naturally
broader (can mean 'of course' or 'without effort'); 'instinctively' emphasises the inborn urge behind the action
- deliberately
with conscious intention and planning, the opposite of acting by natural impulse
- consciously
with full awareness and thought, as opposed to doing something automatically
文法句型
instinctively + verb (react, know, feel, reach, grab)
用法筆記
The adverb is frequently used with verbs of physical reaction (step back, flinch, pull away, raise) and verbs of intuition (know, feel, sense). It describes behaviour that is not learned or trained.