Instinctive \In*stinc"tive\, 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.

With taste instinctive give Each grace appropriate. --Mason.

Have we had instinctive intimations of the death of some absent friends? --Bp. Hall.

Note: 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)