intrinsically

American  

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

adverb

1. by nature; as a necessary or inseparable element or quality.

   As intrinsically social beings, humans cannot achieve even basic survival without connecting and forming relationships with others.

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Etymology

Origin of intrinsically

First recorded in 1545–55; intrinsic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Explanation

Use the adverb intrinsically to describe things that are a vital, important, or natural part of something. For example, great teachers are intrinsically associated with a great school. Something that is intrinsic is an essential part of a whole, so intrinsically describes something closely connected to or inseparable from something. For example, if you believe people are intrinsically good, you think goodness is a part of being human. The Latin root is intrinsecus, which means "inwardly, on the inside."

Example Sentences

In a ruling, Mr Justice Choudhury refused the injunction bid, stating Mr Rosindell's case was "intrinsically weak" and that he "ought to have realised that he had surrendered his right to occupy" his office.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

“The largest stocks are just safer,” Kritzman says—making them intrinsically well-diversified.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

"Does that leak into the defence industry? I'd say yes, it's intrinsically linked."

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

"It's clear evidence that it's possible to reverse, intrinsically, certain age-associated disorders," Pinho said.

From Science Daily • Dec. 31, 2025

There is nothing intrinsically poisonous about endotoxin, but it must look awful, or feel awful, when sensed by cells.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Related Words

• actually
• approximately
• necessarily
• originally
• permanently
• quite
• really
• substantially
• truly
• typically
• virtually