Intrinsic
/ɪnˈtrɪnzɪk/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Intrinsic describes a quality or feature that is a natural and essential part of something. It means this quality is not added from outside but is inside the object or person. For example, the value or ability something has by itself, not because of other things.
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See It in Action
Natural and essential quality inside something
- •Trust is intrinsic to a good friendship.
- •The intrinsic value of gold comes from its rarity and beauty.
- •Curiosity is intrinsic to human nature.
Belonging to the real nature of something, not because of outside reasons
- •The intrinsic worth of a painting is not just its price.
- •Motivation can be intrinsic, coming from personal interest, or extrinsic, coming from rewards.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "intrinsic" like "natural" or "inside," but more about important parts that make something what it really is.
- ✓Picture a diamond’s shine — it comes from inside the stone, not from light around it.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you know someone is kind deep inside, not just acting that way.
- ✓Sounds like "in-TRIN-zik" → Imagine a treasure (TRIN) hidden inside something (IN), showing value inside.
- ✓Remember how the heart is intrinsic to life — you can’t live without it because it’s a natural, important part.
- ✓NOT like "external" (coming from outside), intrinsic is always inside and part of the real nature.
- ✓NOT like "added" or "extra," intrinsic means it belongs naturally and is not separate.
- ✓NOT like "temporary" qualities that can change easily — intrinsic qualities are usually stable and true.
Try Other Words
- •Inherent: belonging naturally and permanently (Use when emphasizing that a quality is permanent and built-in)
- •Built-in: made as a fixed part of something (Use in informal contexts or when talking about objects or systems)
- •Essential: very important and needed (Use when focusing on importance rather than origin)
- •Native: belonging to the original place or nature (Use when talking about origin or source)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (meaning "inside" or "within") + root "trinsic" from Latin "intrinsecus" meaning "inward" or "on the inside"
- •Etymology: From Latin "intrinsecus," combining "intra" (within) + "secus" (side), meaning "on the inside"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe qualities that belong naturally inside something
- •Modern usage: Common in philosophy, science, and everyday language to describe natural, essential qualities or values
- •Key insight: Always points to something that is part of the true nature, not added or outside
Reflect & Connect
•How can you tell if a quality is intrinsic or just added from outside?
•Can something have both intrinsic and extrinsic qualities? How do they work together?
Fill in the blanks
1.Trust is intrinsic to a good friendship because it comes ___ the relationship itself, not from outside reasons.
2.When motivation is intrinsic, a person does something because they ___ interested, not for rewards.
3.The intrinsic value of a diamond depends on its ___ qualities, not just its price.
4.Unlike extrinsic factors, intrinsic qualities are usually ___ and part of the true nature.
5.You can think of kindness as an intrinsic ___ of a person’s character.
6.Some skills become intrinsic after practice, meaning they feel ___ and natural.
7.Intrinsic motivation often leads to better ___ because it comes from inside the person.