intrinsic
/ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk/Belonging to something as a natural, basic part of it — not given from outside. If something has intrinsic value, it is valuable because of what it is, not because of what it can get you.
- Learning has intrinsic rewards beyond just passing an exam.
- She found intrinsic satisfaction in her volunteer work.
- The painting has intrinsic beauty, regardless of its market price.
Adinary Nuance
Intrinsic is closest to inherent and innate, but each word has a slightly different home. Inherent describes a quality built into a system or situation — you say "the inherent risks of surgery," not "the intrinsic risks." Innate is almost always about people or living things — "an innate sense of rhythm" — while intrinsic fits objects, values, and abstract ideas just as naturally. The real power of intrinsic is the contrast it makes with extrinsic: intrinsic motivation means you do something for its own joy, while extrinsic motivation means you do it for a reward or grade. This contrast is what makes the word so common in IELTS essays and academic writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Vốn có
- Spanish
- intrínseco
- Chinese
- 内在的
- Japanese
- 本質的な
- Korean
- 본질적인
Etymology
From Latin "intrinsecus," meaning "inwardly" or "on the inside," formed from "intra" (within) and "secus" (alongside). The word entered English in the late 17th century and moved from anatomy into general and philosophical use.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between intrinsic and inherent?
- Both mean 'naturally part of something,' but intrinsic is used more for value and abstract qualities (intrinsic worth, intrinsic beauty). Inherent fits better when describing risks or problems built into a situation — for example, 'the inherent danger of extreme sports.'
- Is intrinsic a formal word? Can I use it in everyday speech?
- Yes, intrinsic is quite formal and works best in academic writing, IELTS essays, and professional contexts. In casual conversation, most native speakers would say 'natural value' or 'value in itself' instead.
- What does intrinsic motivation mean?
- Intrinsic motivation means doing something because you personally enjoy it or find it meaningful — not because of an external reward like money or grades. It is the opposite of extrinsic motivation.
- How can I use intrinsic in an IELTS essay?
- Use it when arguing that something has value by itself. For example: 'Education has intrinsic value beyond its economic benefits.' The word signals academic maturity to IELTS examiners and works well with abstract nouns like value, worth, and motivation.