nstinct
n
~ (for sth/doing sth); ~ (to do sth) [U, C]
1 natural inborn tendency to behave in a certain way without reasoning or training 本能
Birds learn to fly by instinct. 鳥會飛是出自本能.
Birds have the instinct to learn to fly. 鳥有飛的本能.
2 natural feeling that makes one choose to act in a particular way 直覺
When I saw the flames I acted on instinct and threw a blanket over them. 我看見火焰時便憑直覺把一張毯子撲在火焰上.
My first instinct was to refuse, but later I reconsidered. 最初我憑直覺加以拒絕, 但後來又重新考慮了.
have an instinct for survival 有求生的直覺
Trust your instincts and marry him! 要相信你的直覺, 就嫁給他吧!
I'm afraid I gave way to my worst instincts and hit him. 真遺憾, 我一時任性打了他.
The sight of the helpless little boy aroused her maternal instinct(s). 她看見那孤苦無助的小男孩激發了她的母性.
(ironic 反語) have an instinct for doing or saying the wrong thing 有做錯事或說錯話的本領
(fig 比喻) I'm afraid he lacks the killer instinct, ie ability to be ruthless. 我看他不夠心狠手辣.