intuitively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intuitively" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is done based on instinct or natural understanding, or to describe something that has the ability to understand things in this way. For example, "She intuitively knew that something was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It lies in the fact that most of us from the postcolonial world, though intuitively sympathetic to the idea of self-determination, cannot claim to have fulfilled even partially its extravagant promise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Intuitively this would appear to be reasonable, and many women anecdotally have found they were sicker with girls than with boys – but you can't depend on anecdotal evidence, I'm afraid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He wants to do the same thing for the theory of gravitation, which he says is opaque and intuitively hard.

The Economist

Intuitively, the offer of the print-alone option seemed absurd.

The Economist

The link is intuitively plausible: higher temperatures speed up evaporation, reduce soil moisture and lead to drought.

The Economist

Is it, as most people intuitively believe, a palpable resource like land, best allocated through property rights that can be bought and sold?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The battle for places is particularly acute this autumn because of the shortage of entry-level jobs (see article).Counter-intuitively, perhaps, rampant grade inflation is adding to the competitive pressure.

The Economist

Counter-intuitively, Honda then sold its Accord as a luxury sedan to businessmen, rather than betting on a cheap family car like its rivals.

The Economist

This year, even under the budget cuts Mr Brown has proposed, those formulae would counter-intuitively cause school spending to rise.As this "direct democracy" and its consequence, "ballet-box budgeting", have grown, representative democracy (ie, the legislature) has become dysfunctional.

The Economist

Somewhat counter-intuitively, platooning might also make roads safer.The environmental benefits come from reducing drag, says Tom Robinson of Ricardo, a British company which is co-ordinating the €6.4m ($9.1m) Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTRE) project, funded by the European Commission.

The Economist

And, counter-intuitively, even Mr Gandhi's diffidence might turn out to be a boon.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intuitively" to emphasize that a conclusion or action is based on instinct or inherent understanding, not on explicit reasoning. This can add credibility to arguments in fields where experience and judgment are valued.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "intuitively" derived conclusions without supporting evidence, especially in formal or scientific writing. Always balance intuitive insights with verifiable data to strengthen your arguments.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "intuitively" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe how an action is performed or a quality is perceived. It indicates that something is understood or done based on instinct or a feeling, rather than conscious reasoning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "intuitively" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that indicates understanding or action stemming from instinct or inherent feeling rather than explicit reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific sources, it maintains a neutral to professional register and serves to convey a sense of immediate, non-rational perception. When using "intuitively", ensure it aligns with supporting evidence to enhance credibility, particularly in formal contexts. Alternative phrases like "instinctively" or "by intuition" can provide nuanced variations. Being able to correctly use "intuitively" makes your writting more reliable and easier to understand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Instinctively

Refers to actions or understandings derived from instinct, without conscious thought.

By instinct

Highlights the role of instinct as the guiding force behind an action or understanding.

By intuition

Emphasizes the role of intuition as the guiding force behind an action or understanding.

Naturally

Suggests that an action or understanding comes easily and without effort, as if inherent.

Without thinking

Focuses on the absence of conscious deliberation in an action or decision.

From a gut feeling

Highlights the role of a visceral sense or hunch in guiding a decision.

Based on inherent understanding

Emphasizes that understanding is not learned or reasoned, but comes from within.

Through insight

Highlights the role of insight in facilitating understanding

Perceptively

Highlights the speed in understanding, processing something.

Without conscious reasoning

Indicates that an action or understanding occurs automatically, bypassing logical thought processes.

FAQs

How can I use "intuitively" in a sentence?

You can use "intuitively" to describe actions or understandings that come naturally, such as "She "intuitively knew" something was wrong" or "The software is designed to be "intuitively easy to use"".

What are some alternatives to "intuitively"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "instinctively", "naturally", or "by intuition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intuitively" in formal writing?

Yes, "intuitively" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when explaining complex concepts or justifying decisions based on expertise. However, always supplement intuitive insights with evidence and logical reasoning.

What is the difference between "intuitively" and "logically"?

"Intuitively" implies understanding or knowing something without conscious reasoning, whereas "logically" implies understanding based on step-by-step reasoning and evidence. They represent different modes of understanding and can sometimes lead to different conclusions.