intuition

noun

in·​tu·​i·​tion ˌin-tü-ˈi-shən How to pronounce intuition (audio)
-tyü-
1
a
: the power or faculty of attaining to direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference
b
: immediate apprehension or cognition
c
: knowledge or conviction gained by intuition
2
: quick and ready insight
intuitional adjective

Examples of intuition in a Sentence

Intuition was telling her that something was very wrong. “How did you know I would drop by?” “Oh, I don't know. It must have been intuition.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But intuition is intelligence in another form—one rooted in experience, subconscious synthesis and emotional truth. Paige Williams, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Where is your intuition leading you? Read the full Capricorn Daily Horoscope Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Hoping to make a difference? Usa Today, USA Today, 13 May 2025 Gone were the days when ovulation could be loosely inferred from intuition and a calendar—modern methods required data. Anonymous, Vogue, 10 May 2025 Mickey’s intuition and instinct lead her to investigate that more than just drugs are killing young women on the streets. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intuition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intuycyon, from Late Latin intuition-, intuitio act of contemplating, from Latin intuēri to look at, contemplate, from in- + tuēri to look at

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intuition was circa 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intuition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intuition. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

intuition

noun
in·​tu·​ition
ˌin-t(y)u̇-ˈish-ən
1
: the power of knowing immediately and without conscious reasoning
2
: something known or understood at once
intuitional
-ˈish-nəl
-ən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

intuition

noun
in·​tu·​ition ˌin-t(y)u̇-ˈish-ən How to pronounce intuition (audio)
1
: immediate apprehension or cognition without reasoning or inferring
2
: knowledge or conviction gained by intuition
3
: the power or faculty of gaining direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference
intuit transitive verb
intuitional adjective
intuitive adjective
intuitively adverb
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