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.
adv. In an instinctive manner; by force of instinct; by natural impulse. [ 1913 Webster ]