instinct

[ˈɪn.stɪŋkt]
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An instinct is a natural feeling or reaction that comes from within, often without thinking too much. It's like having a built-in guide or compass that helps us navigate through life.

When we talk about someone's instincts, we usually mean their intuition or gut feeling about something. For example, if you're planning a trip to the mountains and suddenly feel uneasy about it, your instinct might be telling you that something is wrong. Or maybe you're in a situation where you need to make a quick decision, but you trust your instincts and follow what feels right. In these cases, our instincts are like a sixth sense that helps us react or respond to things without even realizing why we feel that way.

How common is "instinct"?

Word instinct is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions

noun

  • A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.

    Example: Many animals fear fire by instinct.

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adjective

  • Imbued, charged (with something).