French word

intuition

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃tɥisjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounintuition

Example

J'ai eu une intuition.

I had an intuition.

Illustration for intuition (intuition)

More examples

J'ai suivi mon intuition et c'était la bonne décision.

I followed my intuition, and it was the right decision.

Core concept

A mental compass giving a direction before conscious reasoning can supply evidence.

Common phrases

  • avoir une intuition

    have an intuition

  • suivre son intuition

    follow one's intuition

Similar words

instinct: An immediate, inborn reaction or tendency to act.
impression: A temporary feeling formed from what is perceived externally.

Definition in French

Impression intérieure et spontanée qui guide une décision sans preuve explicite.

Word origin

French intuition comes through Latin intuitio from intueri, 'to look at' or 'contemplate', and developed toward the sense of direct insight.

Usage tips

  • Intuition is feminine, so the word takes une, as in une intuition, and common patterns include avoir une intuition and suivre son intuition.

Other meanings

  • hunchnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word