adjective
-
of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent
-
anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part
intrinsic muscles
Synonym Usage
See essential.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of intrinsic
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”)
Compare meaning
How does intrinsic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
The intrinsic qualities of something have to do with its nature. An intrinsic quality of dogs is that they're loyal. Anything intrinsic comes from within. Doing a job for only money is not intrinsic. Doing a job because you love it is intrinsic; the motivation comes from within. It's good to treat people as having intrinsic value. If you like someone for intrinsic reasons, then you have no other motivation. The opposite of intrinsic is extrinsic, for things that come from the outside instead of from the inside.
Vocabulary lists containing intrinsic
100 SAT Words Beginning with "I"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Essential English Vocabulary, List 5
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With complex taxes, “hiring a pro is well worth the price,” said Daniela Jones of Intrinsic Wealth Counsel.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026
Foxconn and Intrinsic, a subsidiary of Google's parent Alphabet, also announced Friday a deal to develop and deploy "intelligent robotics solutions across Foxconn facilities in the US".
From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025
Intrinsic to the new app is the creation of an individual learning plan for each student.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2024
The study, titled "Intrinsic dichroism in amorphous and crystalline solids with helical light," was published in Nature Communications.
From Science Daily • Feb. 29, 2024
Intrinsic val. possible though not probable forced sale of house 6 land plus val. crop minus child’s one quarter.
From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
