a. [ Cf. F. instinctif. ] Of or pertaining to instinct; derived from, or prompted by, instinct; of the nature of instinct; determined by natural impulse or propensity; acting or produced without reasoning, deliberation, instruction, or experience; spontaneous. “Instinctive motion.” Milton. “Instinctive dread.” Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ] With taste instinctive give
Each grace appropriate. Mason. [ 1913 Webster ] Have we had instinctive intimations of the death of some absent friends? Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ The terms instinctive belief, instinctive judgment, instinctive cognition, are expressions not ill adapted to characterize a belief, judgment, or cognition, which, as the result of no anterior consciousness, is, like the products of animal instinct, the intelligent effect of (as far as we are concerned) an unknown cause. Sir H. Hamilton. Syn. -- Natural; voluntary; spontaneous; original; innate; inherent; automatic. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
