B2 verb Formal

intrinsic

/ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk/

Intrinsic refers to a quality or characteristic that is an essential and natural part of something. It describes properties that are inherent to an object or person, rather than being added or influenced by external forces.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The intrinsic beauty of the forest is what draws so many hikers to the area.

The natural and essential beauty of the woods attracts many people.

2

The court ruled that certain rights are intrinsic to the concept of human dignity.

The legal body decided some rights are an inseparable part of human dignity.

3

I love playing guitar for the intrinsic joy it brings me, not for the fame.

I enjoy music for the internal happiness it creates, not for external rewards.

Word Family

Noun
intrinsicness
Adverb
intrinsically
Adjective
intrinsic
Related
essence
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Memory Tip

Think of 'IN-trinsic' as 'IN-side'. It is the value or quality that is already inside the thing, not something given to it from the outside.

Quick Quiz

The ______ value of the gold coin is much higher than its face value.

Correct!

The correct answer is: intrinsic

Examples

1

The intrinsic beauty of the forest is what draws so many hikers to the area.

everyday

The natural and essential beauty of the woods attracts many people.

2

The court ruled that certain rights are intrinsic to the concept of human dignity.

formal

The legal body decided some rights are an inseparable part of human dignity.

3

I love playing guitar for the intrinsic joy it brings me, not for the fame.

informal

I enjoy music for the internal happiness it creates, not for external rewards.

4

Scientists are trying to determine the intrinsic properties of the new element.

academic

Researchers are identifying the fundamental characteristics of the substance.

5

When evaluating the stock, we looked at the company's intrinsic value rather than its current market price.

business

We looked at the actual underlying worth of the business instead of its trading price.

Word Family

Noun
intrinsicness
Adverb
intrinsically
Adjective
intrinsic
Related
essence

Common Collocations

intrinsic value the actual or inherent worth of something
intrinsic motivation drive that comes from within a person
intrinsic property a characteristic belonging naturally to a substance
intrinsic quality an essential feature of something
intrinsic worth the value something has in itself

Common Phrases

intrinsic motivation

Doing an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence.

intrinsic part

A portion of something that is necessary for it to be complete.

intrinsic to

Being an extremely important and basic characteristic of a person or thing.

Often Confused With

intrinsic vs extrinsic

Extrinsic refers to things coming from the outside, while intrinsic refers to things coming from within.

intrinsic vs intense

Intense refers to great energy or strength, whereas intrinsic refers to an essential nature.

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Usage Notes

Use 'intrinsic' when you want to emphasize that a quality is inseparable from the thing itself. It is highly common in psychology, philosophy, and economics to contrast with 'extrinsic' factors.

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Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'intrinsic' as a verb because it sounds like one, but it is strictly an adjective. Also, ensure not to confuse it with 'intriguing', which means interesting.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'IN-trinsic' as 'IN-side'. It is the value or quality that is already inside the thing, not something given to it from the outside.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'intrinsecus', meaning 'inwardly' or 'on the inside'.

Grammar Patterns

Usually functions as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun). Often followed by the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'Flexibility is intrinsic to yoga').
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Cultural Context

In Western education and management, 'intrinsic motivation' is a major cultural concept used to describe the ideal type of interest in work or learning.

Quick Quiz

The ______ value of the gold coin is much higher than its face value.

Correct!

The correct answer is: intrinsic

Related Words

prenumerant

C1

Describing a payment or a person that pays in advance for a service, publication, or product. It is a formal, often archaic term used to signify that financial obligations are met prior to the delivery of goods.

hypersalvure

C1

To apply extreme, multi-layered, or high-intensity methods to rescue, recover, or preserve something of significant value. This term is typically used in specialized technical or administrative contexts where standard salvage operations are deemed insufficient for the risk involved.

macrovivcide

C1

A chemical agent or substance specifically formulated to kill large living organisms, such as invasive macro-fauna or predatory pests. It is typically employed in large-scale ecological management or high-level biological containment to eliminate organisms visible to the naked eye.

interphotoly

C1

To facilitate or engage in the interaction between separate systems or components using light-based signals or optical data exchange. This verb specifically describes the process of synchronizing or transferring information via photons across an interface.

overclamdom

C1

A state or condition of excessive silence, secretiveness, or refusal to communicate, often resulting in a breakdown of transparency or social connection. It describes an overwhelming degree of 'clamming up' or being emotionally and verbally unreachable.

univerbible

C1

Describes a concept, truth, or set of principles that is considered universally applicable and as authoritative as a sacred text. It suggests a singular, definitive guide that transcends specific cultural or disciplinary boundaries.

preprivsion

C1

To proactively allocate or configure resources, permissions, or digital infrastructure in advance of their actual requirement. This verb is primarily used in technical and organizational contexts to describe the preparation of a system for immediate use upon a specific trigger.

posttribate

C1

Describes a theological or theoretical position held by those who believe certain significant events occur after a period of intense trial or suffering. It is most commonly used in eschatology to refer to the belief that the Rapture occurs after the Great Tribulation.

oversolure

C1

A noun referring to the implementation of an unnecessarily complex, redundant, or excessive solution to a relatively simple problem. It describes a state of over-engineering where the resources or complexity involved far exceed the actual requirements of the situation.

disspirty

C1

Characterized by a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or hope, typically occurring after a setback or disappointment. It describes a psychological state where one's morale is significantly dampened or discouraged.

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