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

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

This has now been demonstrated, with researchers employing a multidisciplinary approach to observe the biochemical process in HvNIP2;1, which is a Nodulin 26-like Intrinsic Protein found in barley.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2023

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

Related Words

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