Word a Day
instinct
What does instinct mean?
instinct (noun): a natural or inherent impulse or behavior.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use instinct in a sentence?
- Many animals fear fire by instinct. (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0)
How do you pronounce instinct?
/ˈɪnstɪŋkt/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does instinct come from?
From Latin īnstīnctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”), from in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “instinct”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “instinct” mean?
an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling
Not quite: that's what truck means.
a natural or inherent impulse or behavior
Right! That's what “instinct” means.
an institution created to conduct business
Not quite: that's what company means.
something that aids or promotes well-being
Not quite: that's what benefit means.
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