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instinctive response

[ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv rɪˈspɒns]
nounpl: instinctive responses
resposta instintiva
1. an automatic reaction or behavior that occurs naturally without conscious thought or deliberation
Her instinctive response was to duck when the ball came flying toward her.
Sua resposta instintiva foi se abaixar quando a bola voou em sua direção.
2. a reaction driven by innate biological or psychological impulses rather than learned behavior
The child's instinctive response to danger was to run to his mother.
A resposta instintiva da criança ao perigo era correr para sua mãe.
NYC Slang
gut move; knee-jerk reaction
Synonyms
automatic responsegut reactionnatural reactionreflexive responseknee-jerk reaction
Antonyms
deliberate responsecalculated responsereasoned responsethoughtful response

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta instintiva
most common and widely understood term
São Paulo
reação instintiva
alternative common usage
Rio de Janeiro
resposta automática
colloquial variation
Portugal
resposta instintiva
standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

follow your instinct
go with your gut
instinct kicks in
first instinct
act on instinct
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