adj
intrinsic
ihn-TRIHN-zihk
adj
1
Belonging to something by its very nature; essential and built-in, not added from outside.
"The intrinsic value of the painting has nothing to do with its price tag."
"Curiosity is intrinsic to how children learn."
How to Use Intrinsic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA core, natural part of something — not something added on.
Common mistake
The opposite is "extrinsic" (coming from outside).
Easily confused with
extrinsic
intricate →
Common pairings
intrinsic value
intrinsic motivation
intrinsic to
Word Forms
more intrinsic comparative, intrinsics plural, most intrinsic superlative
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The _____ value of the painting has nothing to do with its price tag.
Etymology
From Latin intrīnsecus, "on the inside, inwardly," from an assumed intrim ("within") + secus ("on the side of").