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react instinctively

[rɪˈækt ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli]
verb phrase
reagir instintivamente
1. to respond to something in an automatic, natural way without conscious thought or deliberation
When the child saw the spider, she reacted instinctively and jumped back.
Quando a criança viu a aranha, ela reagiu instintivamente e saltou para trás.
2. to act based on innate impulse or intuition rather than reasoning
The experienced driver reacted instinctively to avoid the collision.
O motorista experiente reagiu instintivamente para evitar a colisão.
Synonyms
respond automaticallyact on impulsereact intuitivelyrespond spontaneouslyact reflexively
Antonyms
react deliberatelyrespond thoughtfullyact consciouslyrespond after consideration

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
reagir instintivamente
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
reagir instintivamente
Standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
reagir de instinto
Alternative colloquial form
Portugal
reagir instintivamente
Standard European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

go with your gut
follow your instincts
act on instinct
trust your gut reaction
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