instinctive
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instinctive
Following an instinct or an innate tendency, without conscious thought or consideration.
Als das Auto auf sie zuraste, sprang sie instinktiv zur Seite.
As the car raced toward her, she instinctively jumped to the side.
The adjective 'instinktiv' (instinctive) belongs to the noun 'der Instinkt' (instinct). The ending '-iv' is typical for adjectives derived from Latin words and describes a characteristic or way of acting.
Tiere handeln oft nach ihrem Instinkt.
Animals often act according to their instinct.
'instinktiv' (instinctive/instinctively) is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out: namely, without thinking. In this function, it usually comes directly after the conjugated verb.
Er hat instinktiv das Richtige getan.
He instinctively did the right thing.
As an adverb, 'instinktiv' (instinctively) often describes verbs of reaction or perception. Typical combinations are 'instinktiv handeln' (to act instinctively), 'instinktiv reagieren' (to react instinctively), 'instinktiv spüren' (to sense instinctively), or 'instinktiv ausweichen' (to dodge instinctively).
Der Fahrer wich dem Hindernis instinktiv aus.
The driver instinctively swerved to avoid the obstacle.
intuitive
Intuitiv and instinktiv both describe a reaction without conscious thought. Intuitiv is based more on an immediate feeling or insight, while instinktiv presupposes an innate tendency. Use intuitiv for an inner assessment and instinktiv for a natural reaction.
Als der Ball plötzlich auf sie zuflog, hob sie instinktiv die Hände.
When the ball suddenly flew toward her, she instinctively raised her hands.
Sie entschied intuitiv, dass dieser freundliche Verkäufer vertrauenswürdig war.
She intuitively decided that the friendly salesperson was trustworthy.
