instinct
gb/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/ us/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
B1
Anglais
~ 2600
Sens
0 sens
Nom
B1
entity
1
Natural, automatic behavior
A natural way of acting or feeling that happens without thinking about it.
Schéma d’usage :
[someone] has an instinct to [do something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'instinct' with 'intuition'; 'instinct' often has a biological or evolutionary basis, while 'intuition' is more about quick judgment.
Synonymes
intuition (Focuses more on a quick understanding or feeling, not always biologically driven.)
Antonymes
reasoning (Involves deliberate thought and logic instead of automatic reaction.)
Collocations
basic instinct
|maternal instinct
|follow your instincts
|animal instinct
|survival instinct
Thèmes
psychology
|biology
|daily life
|science
|animals
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- Her maternal instinct told her the baby was hungry.
- Even in the dark, his survival instinct guided him to safety.
- The dog's hunting instinct kicked in when it saw the rabbit.
- Some people have a strong instinct for leadership.
- He acted on instinct when he swerved to avoid the crash.
Exemples pédagogiques
- My cat has a hunting instinct.
- She followed her instinct and called her friend.
- He has a strong survival instinct.
- The bird’s instinct is to fly south in winter.
Nom
B2
entity
2
Natural tendency or ability
A natural ability to do something well without learning it first.
Schéma d’usage :
[someone] has an instinct for [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse this sense with 'skill'—'instinct' here implies it is present from birth, not learned over time.
Synonymes
aptitude (Suggests a natural skill, sometimes with less emphasis on unconscious action.)
Antonymes
incompetence (Lack of ability or skill in a given area.)
Collocations
instinct for business
|instinct for music
|artistic instinct
Thèmes
daily life
|talent
|core_vocabulary
|education
|animals
Exemples
- He has an instinct for choosing the right words.
- Her instinct for design made her a great interior decorator.
- The young player showed an instinct for scoring goals.
Exemples pédagogiques
- She has an instinct for making people feel welcome.
- He has an instinct for finding good deals.
- My brother has an instinct for fixing things.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
instinct
API
GB/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
US/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
Syllabes et accentuation
in - stinct (2 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (in)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: instinct
- Plural: instinct, instincts
Famille de mots
Forms
instincts
noun
Core family
instinctive
adjective B2
instinctively
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
instinctual
adjective
instinctually
adverb
Expressions
follow your instincts
1/fˈɑloʊ jˈʊɹ ˈɪnstɪŋkts/
fixed phrase
Act according to natural feelings
To do what you naturally feel is right without overthinking it.
Exemples
- When you're not sure what to do, follow your instincts.
- She followed her instincts and refused the offer.
survival instinct
1/sɚvˈaɪvəl ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
fixed phrase
Natural drive to stay alive
The natural feeling that makes people and animals try to stay alive and safe.
Exemples
- His survival instinct made him run from the fire.
- Animals have a strong survival instinct.
maternal instinct
1/mətˈɚnəl ˈɪnstɪŋkt/
fixed phrase
a mother's natural drive to care
A strong natural feeling that makes a woman want to protect and care for her child.
Exemples
- Her maternal instinct told her that something was wrong with the baby.
- She felt her maternal instinct kick in as soon as she heard the baby cry.
- She felt her maternal instinct grow stronger after giving birth.
- Even before giving birth, she talked about a maternal instinct she couldn’t ignore.
- His decision to adopt came from a deep paternal, almost maternal instinct to care for children.