intrinsic

adjective

in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik  -ˈtrin(t)-sik 

1

a

: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing : occurring as a natural part of something

the intrinsic worth of the company

the intrinsic brightness of a star

Yet there's also an intrinsic understanding between the actors, who like to pick up each other's trains of thought and seamlessly steam ahead.

—Thomas Floyd

Beyond their intrinsic value, there's a strong emotional aspect to these small and special adornments.

—Laird Borrelli-Persson

b

: being or relating to a semiconductor in which the concentration of charge carriers is characteristic of the material itself instead of the content of any impurities it contains

2

a

: originating or due to causes within a body, organ, or part

an intrinsic metabolic disease

b

: originating and included wholly within an organ or part

intrinsic muscles

compare extrinsic sense 1b

Synonyms of intrinsic

• inherent
• integral
• essential

Examples of intrinsic in a Sentence

He is the ideal courtier. His nobility is intrinsic, and so he can drape himself in this purple cloak of tasteful modernity, make a cocktail of past and present, the cream of both. —Noah Charney, The Art Thief, 2007

Subatomic particles have an intrinsic orientation known as spin, which can point in one of two directions, conventionally called "up" and "down." —Abraham Loeb, Scientific American, November 2006

Yet despite the digital culture's endless celebrations of diversity … there is a certain mindless repetition intrinsic to the Internet, where ideas and software multiply a thousandfold with one click; where the lure of wider communication drives users toward an ultimate "interoperability" and, hence, toward an ultimate uniformity. —Julian Dibbell, Harper's, August 2001

the intrinsic value of a gem

the intrinsic brightness of a star

Recent Examples on the Web

Meredith estimates Berkshire shares are trading at an 8% discount to intrinsic value. — Yun Li, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

In practice, Google made the search box feel like the front door to the whole web, with the same intrinsic, vital importance that a front door serves in a home. — Alan Bradley, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026

This initiative seeks to foster intrinsic motivation, improve mental well-being, and cultivate a collaborative learning environment, moving away from intense competition. — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Whether a simple sisal canopy bridge or a sophisticated multimillion-dollar structure, wildlife crossings are concrete symbols of people wanting to protect the intrinsic worth of nature. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French intrinsèque internal, from Late Latin intrinsecus, from Latin, adverb, inwardly; akin to Latin intra within — more at intra-

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing intrinsic

• intrinsic factor

Rhymes for intrinsic

• extrinsic

Kids Definition

intrinsic

adjective

in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik 

-ˈtrin(t)-sik

: belonging to the essential nature of a thing

the intrinsic value of a gem

intrinsically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

intrinsic

adjective

in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik  -ˈtrin(t)-sik 

1

: originating or due to causes or factors within a body, organ, or part

intrinsic asthma

2

: originating and included wholly within an organ or part

—used especially of certain muscles

the cricothyroid is an intrinsic muscle of the larynx

compare extrinsic sense 2

Legal Definition

intrinsic

adjective

in·​trin·​sic in-ˈtrin-zik, -sik 

: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing