DictionarygutInstinctive
adjective

gut

Based on instinct rather than conscious reasoning.

My gut reaction is to trust her, despite the rumors.

Etymology

The name for the internal organs became a way to describe deeply felt reactions. A gut judgment is experienced as an immediate bodily conviction rather than an explicit chain of reasoning.

More examples

  • I have a gut feeling that something is wrong.
  • His gut response is to say no.
  • She trusts her gut instinct when choosing a babysitter.

Similar words

instinctive
Also describes automatic behaviors, not just feelings or judgments.
intuitive
Emphasizes immediate understanding without a conscious chain of reasoning.
visceral
Emphasizes powerful bodily emotion rather than an intuitive judgment.