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Impulsive vs Instinctive - What's the difference?

impulsive | instinctive |

As adjectives the difference between impulsive and instinctive

is that impulsive is having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent while instinctive is related to or prompted by instinct.

As a noun impulsive

is that which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent.

impulsive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent.
  • * Prior
    • Poor men! poor papers! We and they / Do some impulsive force obey.
  • Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings; inclined to make rapid decisions without due consideration.
  • * Longfellow
    • my heart, impulsive and wayward
  • (mechanics) Acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous – said of forces.

    • Related terms

    * impulse * impulsion * impulsively * impulsiveness * impulsor

    References

    * *

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • That which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent.
  • One whose behaviour or personality is characterized by being impulsive.
    • ----

    instinctive

    English

    Adjective

    (wikipedia instinctive) (en adjective)
  • related to or prompted by instinct
  • driven by impulse, spontaneous and without thinking.