instinct

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
  2. adjective (followed by `with')deeply filled or permeated

Etymology

From Latin īnstīnctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”), from in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

inherent aptitude

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