instinctively
UK[ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli]US[ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli]
adv
in a way that is not thought about, planned, or developed by training, but comes naturally
Morpheme Breakdown
in
stinct
ively
in
stinct
ively
Etymology
the word 'instinctively' is built upon the core noun 'instinct'. 'instinct' entered english from latin 'instinctus', meaning 'impulse', which itself derives from 'instinguere', a verb signifying 'to incite, impel'. this latin verb is composed of 'in-' (upon) and 'stinguere' (to prick, goad). the original sense was of being inwardly 'goaded' or prompted. the suffix '-ive' was added to form the adjective 'instinctive', meaning 'of or relating to instinct'. finally, the adverbial suffix '-ly' was appended to create 'instinctively', describing an action performed in a manner arising from innate impulse rather than conscious thought. the journey from the literal idea of being physically 'pricked' to the modern abstract meaning of an unlearned, automatic response illustrates a classic semantic evolution.
Analysis
Structure: in + stinct + ively
- in (latin origin): a prefix meaning 'in, into, on, upon'.
- stinct (latin origin): from the root of 'stinguere', meaning 'to prick, goad, quench'. the form 'stinct' is a past participle stem.
- ively (english/latin origin): a compound suffix combining '-ive' (forming adjectives meaning 'tending to') and '-ly' (forming adverbs from adjectives).
Examples
she instinctively reached out to catch the falling glass.
he ducked instinctively when he heard the loud noise.
a mother instinctively knows how to comfort her child.