# instinct

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/ · frequency rank #8,803

## Definitions
1. A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
2. An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.

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

## Easily confused with
- **instruct** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/instinct-vs-instruct)
- **instincts** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/instinct-vs-instincts)
- **instant** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/instant-vs-instinct)
- **instance** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/instance-vs-instinct)
- **indistinct** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/indistinct-vs-instinct)

## Common misspellings (13)
`innstinct`, `insitnct`, `insstinct`, `insticnt`, `instincct`, `instinctt`, `instinnct`, `instintc`, `instnict`, `insttinct`, `intsinct`, `isntinct`, `nistinct`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/instinct