intuition
Intuition is the ability to understand or know something immediately without the need for conscious reasoning or formal proof. It is often described as a 'gut feeling' or an instinctive sense that guides decision-making and perception.
Examples
3 of 5I had an intuition that it was going to rain, so I decided to bring my umbrella just in case.
I had an instinctive feeling that it would rain, so I brought an umbrella as a precaution.
The researcher relied on her professional intuition to formulate a hypothesis before the data was fully analyzed.
The researcher used her expert insight to create a theory before the analysis was complete.
Just trust your intuition; if the deal feels wrong, it probably is.
Simply trust your gut feeling; if the arrangement doesn't feel right, it likely isn't.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'in-tuition' as having an 'internal teacher' (tuition) inside your mind that tells you the answer without you having to study for it.
Quick Quiz
The detective had a strong ________ that the witness wasn't telling the whole truth.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intuition
Examples
I had an intuition that it was going to rain, so I decided to bring my umbrella just in case.
everydayI had an instinctive feeling that it would rain, so I brought an umbrella as a precaution.
The researcher relied on her professional intuition to formulate a hypothesis before the data was fully analyzed.
formalThe researcher used her expert insight to create a theory before the analysis was complete.
Just trust your intuition; if the deal feels wrong, it probably is.
informalSimply trust your gut feeling; if the arrangement doesn't feel right, it likely isn't.
In the study of epistemology, intuition is often contrasted with empirical evidence and rational deduction.
academicIn theory of knowledge, instinctive knowing is often compared to evidence and logical reasoning.
Successful entrepreneurs often combine market analysis with a keen intuition for emerging trends.
businessSuccessful business owners often mix data analysis with a sharp sense for new trends.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
gut intuition
a deep, instinctive feeling in one's stomach or mind
by intuition
knowing or doing something through instinct rather than learning
moment of intuition
a sudden flash of instinctive understanding
Often Confused With
Instinct is usually an innate, biological drive (like a bird migrating), while intuition is an unconscious cognitive process based on experience.
Intention refers to a plan or purpose, whereas intuition refers to a feeling or way of knowing.
Usage Notes
Intuition can be used as both an uncountable noun (general sense) and a countable noun (a specific instance of a feeling). In professional settings, it is often paired with 'experience' to validate its use.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'an intuition' when they mean 'a hunch'. While 'an intuition' is grammatically correct, 'my intuition' or 'a gut feeling' is often more natural in casual speech.
Memory Tip
Think of 'in-tuition' as having an 'internal teacher' (tuition) inside your mind that tells you the answer without you having to study for it.
Word Origin
From the Late Latin 'intuitio', meaning 'a look at, gazing at, or contemplation', derived from 'intueri' (to look at).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, 'female intuition' is a common idiom suggesting that women have a superior instinctive understanding of social or emotional situations.
Quick Quiz
The detective had a strong ________ that the witness wasn't telling the whole truth.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intuition
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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A1To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.
stand
A1To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.
pay
A1To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.
meet
A1To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.
continue
A1To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.
set
A1To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.
learn
A1To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.
lead
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understand
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follow
A1To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.
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