How to pronounce instinct
Say it like IN-stingkt. Instinct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).
- IN
- stingkt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Instinct pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- INSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- stingktKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of instinct
American and British speakers say instinct in essentially the same way: /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/ in the US and /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: IN-stingkt.
What does instinct mean?
- A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.“Many animals fear fire by instinct.”
- An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.“an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct”
Where does instinct come from?
From Latin īnstīnctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”), from in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- inherent aptitude
- replete
Questions about saying instinct
How do you pronounce instinct?
Say IN-stingkt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/. In British English it is /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in instinct?
Instinct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · stingkt.
Do Americans and Brits say instinct the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/ and the British form is /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.