instinct

• Tendance innée ou naturelle à se comporter d'une certaine manière, souvent en réponse à des stimuli précis, sans recours à la réflexion. Peut aussi désigner une aptitude intuitive ou un pressentiment.

A noun referring to an inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli.

1. Innate behaviorB2formal

   An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli.

   instinct (comportement inné)

   • Birds have an instinct to build nests.
   • The mother's instinct to protect her young is very strong.
   • Salmon swim upstream by instinct to spawn.

   Antonymesdeliberationintellectlearningreason

2. Natural impulseB1formal

   A natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking, without the need for conscious thought.

   Instinct (impulsion naturelle)

   • He followed his instinct and chose the right path.
   • Her first instinct was to run away from danger.
   • Trust your instincts when making a difficult decision.

   Synonymesbentdriveimpulseinclinationintuitionpredispositionproclivitytendencyurge

3. Natural talent or abilityB2informal

   A natural ability or talent for doing something without being taught.

   instinct, don naturel

   • She has an instinct for finding the best deals.
   • He has a natural instinct for music.
   • Her business instinct helped her succeed.

   Synonymesaptitudebentfacultyflairgiftintuitionknacktalent