instinct
Translation
instinct, intuition, natural tendency
Examples
Birds build nests by instinct.
Birds build nests by instinct.
My first instinct was to run away.
My first instinct was to run away.
Grammar Patterns
by instinct without conscious thought or training Animals hunt by instinct.
((sb.'s)) instinct to do ((sth.)) a natural tendency to do something His first instinct was to call for help.
Similar Words
Synonyms: intuition, gut feeling, sixth sense
Etymology
From Latin 'instinctus' (impulse), from the verb 'instinguere' (to incite), from 'in-' + 'stinguere' (to prick).
Memory Tips
Think 'in-stinct' as a feeling that is 'stuck in' you from birth, a natural impulse.