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View synonyms for intrinsic

intrinsic

[ in-trin-sik, -zik ]

adjective

  1. belonging to a thing by its very nature:

    the intrinsic value of a gold ring.

    Synonyms: true, natural, innate, native

    Antonyms: extrinsic

  2. Anatomy. (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) belonging to or lying within a given part.


intrinsic

/ ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent
  2. anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part

    intrinsic muscles



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Derived Forms

  • inˈtrinsically, adverb

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Other Words From

  • in·trin·si·cal·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of intrinsic1

First recorded in 1480–90; Middle English intrinsique “inner,” from Old French intrinseque “internal, inner,” from Late Latin intrinsecus “inward” (adjective), from Latin intrinsecus “on the inside, inwards” (adverb), equivalent to intrin- (from int(e)r-, as in interior + -im, an old accusative ending used as an adverb suffix + secus “beside,” derivative of sequī “to follow”)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of intrinsic1

C15: from Late Latin intrinsecus from Latin, inwardly, from intrā within + secus alongside; related to sequī to follow

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Compare Meanings

How does intrinsic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

These considerations are key when choosing personalized gifts for those you care about, because the crux of joy in receiving a gift comes from the intrinsic change that the gift provides in someone’s daily experience.

At some point, however, intrinsic value will have to matter, and when it does those in the sector will be forced to show they have credible plans in place for existential dangers on the horizon.

From Digiday

Such medals have an intrinsic value estimated at about $10,000.

He spoke of 3- and 4-year-olds who’d tell him, “I’m not a boy” or “I’m not a girl,” suggesting that their identity had nothing to do with the environment, but was intrinsic.

They have no intrinsic loyalty to the United States—that’s how they’re constructed and organized.

From Fortune

It continues to be the official position that “being open to life” is “an intrinsic requirement of married love.”

However, they have to have intrinsic and distinctive qualities.

They do not reflect any intrinsic or insurmountable military advantage.

As a jazz lover, I want people to embrace the music for its intrinsic qualities, not its symbolic resonance.

Through this, an active role is given to the spectator, who has inadvertently become an intrinsic part of the artwork.

After the first novelty is over, no place can please, except either by its intrinsic beauty, or the happy effect of habit.

Calais, has no such intrinsic charms, and I was not disposed to try the result of the latter.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine out of a thousand judge by names and not by intrinsic worth.

Friedrich Wilhelm, both by his intrinsic qualities and the success he met with, deserves it better than most.

It is the intrinsic nature of belief that will concern us to-day.

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intriguingintrinsically