Instinct — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t/ (noun) /in-ˈstiŋ(k)t/ (adjective) in·stinct

Meaning & Definition of Instinct

Instinct (noun)

  1. a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity
  2. a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
  3. behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level

Instinct (adjective)

  1. profoundly imbued, infused
  2. impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency

Instinct (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity

    "Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct."

    "We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea."

    similar: affinity, bias, disposition, habitude, impulse, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn, drive, need, urge, capability, competence, facility, proficiency, skill, capacity, faculty, potential, power, forte, specialism, speciality, specialty, aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, head, knack, talent

Related Entry: Killer instinct (noun)

Killer instinct is a different word from Instinct. The synonyms below are for killer instinct, not for instinct.

  1. as in ambitiousness, overambitiousness

    similar: ambitiousness, overambitiousness, grit, gumption, pluck, snap, spirit, spunk, starch, assertiveness, self-reliance, action, aggressiveness, ambition, drive, enterprise, go, hustle, initiative, energy, hardihood, pep, vigor, vitality
    opposite: inactivity, inertia, passivity, diffidence, faintheartedness, timidity, hesitation, reluctance, indolence, laziness, lethargy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Instinct

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instinct:

affinity, bias, disposition, habitude, impulse, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn, drive, need, urge, capability, competence, facility, proficiency, skill, capacity, faculty, potential, power, forte, specialism, speciality, specialty, aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, head, knack, talent

Word Forms of Instinct

Derived words: instinctual (adjective), instinctually (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Instinct

Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate

First known use: 1568

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Instinct

Words & Phrases Containing Instinct

death instinct, killer instinct, homing instinct, survival instinct

Frequently Asked Questions about Instinct

What does "Instinct" mean?

"Instinct" means a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity.

What is another word for "Instinct"?

Other words for "Instinct" include affinity, bias, disposition, habitude, impulse, inclination, leaning and partiality. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Instinct" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Instinct"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Instinct". Common alternatives include affinity, bias, disposition, habitude, impulse, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant and predilection.

How do you use "Instinct" in a sentence?

Examples of "Instinct" in a sentence: "Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct."; "We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea.".

Is "Instinct" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Instinct" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Instinct" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Instinct" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Instinct"?

"Instinct" is pronounced /ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t/ as a noun and /in-ˈstiŋ(k)t/ as an adjective and divided into syllables as in·stinct.

What is the origin of the word "Instinct"?

"Instinct" comes from Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate. First known use: 1568.