✅ Instinctual describes something that happens due to instinct or as if from instinct (an instinctual fear of fire).

✅ Involuntary describes something that is unintentional or that happens unconsciously (an involuntary wince).

✅ Both these terms describe things that happen without conscious thought. Instinctual suggests unthinking responses that could be shared by others (It’s instinctual to run when being chased).

✅ Involuntary is more general and suggests any kind of unconscious response (I couldn’t stop my palms from sweating when I was called on by the teacher, it was completely involuntary).

✅ Resolute describes someone or something that shows firmness and determination (She was resolute in her decision).

✅ Staunch describes someone or something that shows firmness, steadfastness, and loyalty (He was a staunch defender of his favorite celebrity).

✅ Resolute and staunch both can be used to describe determination and a strong, self-possessed attitude.

✅ Staunch primarily implies loyalty, whereas resolute primarily implies determination and strength of mind.

✅ Pocket means to dishonestly take something for yourself, especially secretly (I pocketed the cash).

✅ Pilfer means to steal, especially in small amounts and in a way that is unlikely to have serious consequences (I pilfered a doughnut from the baking sheet).

✅ Pocket and pilfer are both informal ways to refer to stealing. Both words can refer to an instance of stealing which isn’t very serious, or they can be used to make such an instance seem less serious than it really is (pilfer hotel toiletries; pocket a few pieces of candy).