intrinsically

adverb

in·​trin·​si·​cal·​ly in-ˈtrin-zi-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈtrin(t)-si-

: in an intrinsic manner : by natural character : in itself

an intrinsically difficult language

intrinsically evil/valuable

The media do not have to go along with the pretense that there is something intrinsically virtuous about a movement with no leaders.

—David Carr

While etymologies of such terms are intrinsically interesting, they can also serve one of the aims of critical pedagogies …

—Jennifer Beech

Environmentalists have tended to treat big buildings as intrinsically wasteful, because large amounts of energy are expended in their construction, and because the buildings place intensely localized stresses on sewers, power lines, and water systems.

—David Owen

Synonyms

• inherently
• fundamentally

Examples of intrinsically in a Sentence

he's worked hard to be good at baseball, as he's not intrinsically athletic

Recent Examples on the Web

Motivation and academic engagement are important factors in college mental health, because bored and intrinsically unmotivated students usually struggle with other concerns. —Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

While its name might not be as intrinsically tied to the holiday, the San Antonio Zoo proudly embraces the title, thanks to a variety of events that draw couples and singles alike. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

French brand Citadelle Gin is intrinsically tied to Cognac—both the region and the spirit, because the owner of the brand, Alexandre Gabriel, is also the master blender for Maison Ferrand. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 June 2025

Everyone — moms, dads, little brothers, older sisters — intrinsically understands its basic ingredients. —Luke Winkie, Vulture, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above