intrinsic

American  

[in-trin-sik, -zik] / ɪnˈtrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /

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.

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intrinsic British  

/ 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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Related Words

See essential.

Other Word Forms

• intrinsically adverb

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:

• inherent vs. intrinsic

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.

Example Sentences

"At this critical power, the nonlinearity can counter the intrinsic disorder, creating a balance that transforms the input beam into a self-organized pencil beam," Cao explains.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

Buffett doesn’t reveal his intrinsic value estimate, but some analysts and investors share theirs.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

“We’re drawn to the intrinsic beauty of it,” says Vanessa Patrick, a professor of marketing at the University of Houston’s C.T.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

There are personality differences, disagreement with book choices, intrinsic ways of seeing the world that can occasionally come to a head in a book club.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

But in the case of Connectors, their ability to span many different worlds is a function of something intrinsic to their personality, some combination of curiosity, self- confidence, sociability, and energy.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• deep-seated
• elemental
• inherent
• innate
• peculiar
• underlying