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instinct

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noun [countable/uncountable] British English pronunciation: instinct /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/ 
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singularinstinct
pluralinstincts
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    a natural tendency to behave in a particular way that people and animals are born with and that they obey without knowing why. For example the maternal instinct is a woman's natural tendency to behave like a mother

    the instinct of ducklings to follow their mother

    instinct for:

    the instinct for survival

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of instinct
  2. 2
    a natural ability to know what to do in a particular situation

    My first instinct was to turn and run.

    Potential investors want to know that you've got strong entrepreneurial instincts.

    trust/follow your instincts:

    It's always best to trust your instincts.

    instinct tells/warns you:

    Instinct told me that it would be unwise to return home.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of instinct

This is the British English definition of instinct. View American English definition of instinct.

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View the pronunciation for instinct.

 

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