Basic Details
Word: Instinctive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Related to automatic reactions, feelings, or behaviours that happen without thinking.
Synonyms: Intuitive, natural, inherent
Antonyms: Learned, deliberate, studied
Idioms and Phrases
- Follow your instincts: To trust your gut feelings when making decisions. Example: "Even though many disagreed, she decided to follow her instincts and take the risk."
- Instincts kick in: When a person begins to react automatically to a situation without thinking. Example: "When the ball flew towards him, his instincts kicked in, and he caught it without even looking."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The cat's instinctive behaviour helped her catch the mouse quickly.
Example 2: He had an instinctive understanding of peoples feelings, which made him a great friend.
Example 3: The childs instinctive response to the loud noise was to cover her ears.
Fun Fact
Did you know that many animals rely entirely on their instinctive behaviour for survival? This means they can react to danger or find food without being taught how to do so!
Famous Quote
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - Henry Ford. This highlights that sometimes, our instinctive decisions can lead to valuable lessons.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "instinctive" mean?
a) A learned behaviour
b) An automatic reaction
c) A complex thought
d) A planned action
Answer: b) An automatic reaction
2. Which of these is a synonym of "instinctive"?
a) Calculated
b) Natural
c) Forced
d) Artificial
Answer: b) Natural
3. Which sentence uses "instinctive" correctly?
a) She made an instinctive reaction to save the child from falling.
b) He brushed his teeth instinctively with his left hand.
c) Their instinctive thoughts were well detailed.
d) She instinctively learned how to ride a bike after watching.
Answer: a) She made an instinctive reaction to save the child from falling.
4. Which phrase means to trust your feelings?
a) Follow your instincts
b) Cross that bridge when you come to it
c) The tip of the iceberg
d) Burn the midnight oil
Answer: a) Follow your instincts
5. What is the opposite of "instinctive"?
a) Automatic
b) Learned
c) Natural
d) Intuitive
Answer: b) Learned
