instinctif

Forms

instinctif (feminine instinctive, masculine plural instinctifs, feminine plural instinctives)^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from French instinct + -if.^[2][1][3] The Grand Robert and Rey suggest that it may have been modelled on English instinctive, which is recorded from the 17th century, and the TLFi also points to the English word.^[4][5][2] The noun instinct, recorded from 1495, is from Latin īnstīnctus.^[2][1]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first recorded in 1801 in Crèvecœur's Voyage, for what arises from instinct.^[2][5] The GLLF's first date is 1803, in Maine de Biran.^[6]

Semantic evolution

The adjective corresponds to instinct and applies to whatever arises from instinct in the broad sense.^[5] In 1883 Renan used it of a person dominated by impulse.^[5] In the study of behaviour it describes acts that are innate, hereditary and specific to a species.^[2] The adverb instinctivement is recorded from the same year, 1801.^[5]

Timeline

• 1801 – Crèvecœur uses it;^[2][5] instinctivement appears the same year.^[2][5]
• 1803 – Maine de Biran uses it.^[6][5]
• 1883 – Renan applies it to a person dominated by impulse.^[5]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Arising from instinct, spontaneous and unreflecting: Elle eut un mouvement de recul instinctif.^[3][2]
2. (technical) Of animal instinct: innate, hereditary and specific to a species.^[2][3]
3. Of a person, in whom impulse and spontaneity dominate.^[3][5]

Word family

• instinctivement

Related words

• instinct
• instinctuel

References

1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c d Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
6. ^ a b Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse