intrinsic
in-TRIN-zik
/ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk/
Belonging naturally; essential to the inherent nature of a person or thing.
Emphasizes that value or motivation arises from within the activity or person itself, not from external rewards.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'intrinsecus', combining 'intra' (inside) and 'secus' (along/beside). It entered Middle English to describe qualities residing deep inside the essential core of a substance.
Word relationships
- inherent: Inherent highlights a permanent, inseparable quality of a structure or system.
- innate: Innate specifies qualities present from birth.
- extrinsic: Extrinsic refers to originating from outside or external sources.
- extraneous: Extraneous means irrelevant or came from an unrelated external origin.
Commonly confused with
- internal: Internal simply means located inside, whereas intrinsic means essential to the fundamental nature.
Word family
- intrinsically (adverb): In an essential or natural manner.
Collocations
- intrinsic value
- intrinsic motivation
- intrinsic reward
Example sentences
- "Children learn best when fueled by intrinsic curiosity rather than the promise of gold stars." Self-determination theory
- "Human rights are based on the belief that every person possesses intrinsic dignity." Philosophy
Memory hook
INTRINSIC = IN side the TRINity of your core self. Inward value.
When not to use
Do not use to describe qualities added from the outside, such as assigned prices or external praise.
Fun facts
- In economics, intrinsic value is the calculated worth of a company or asset based on fundamental analysis rather than market price.
Related words
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