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

“Ultimately, we are trying to pay homage to the bus tour format, which is intrinsically ‘carny,’” Misraje said, likening himself to a carnival barker espousing aesthetic philosophy aboard an ever-changing “Ship of Theseus.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2026

For much of its existence, the Chrysler name has been intrinsically tied to Detroit’s Big Three automakers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

"The heart and lungs are intrinsically connected," Bharat explained.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

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

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

If he had known that Sirius was intrinsically brighter than the Sun, he would have come up with almost exactly the right answer: Sirius is 8.8 light-years away.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

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