Synonyms for

Intrinsic

Verb / ˌɪˈntrɪnsɪk / Another word for intrinsic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

belonging naturally; essential

Synonyms & similar words

intrinsical extrinsic innate inherent natural integral indispensable fundamental immanent implicit underlying built-in inborn inbred native instinctive intuitive instinctual connate connatural entrenched ingrained

Synonyms by register

Formal

inherent essential fundamental innate

Informal

built-in natural basic

Literary

inbred essential nature

Antonyms

extrinsic external acquired learned superficial added foreign

Common collocations

  • intrinsic value
  • intrinsic motivation
  • intrinsic quality
  • intrinsic characteristic
  • intrinsic factor
  • intrinsic part
  • intrinsic property

Word family

noun intricacy
adverb intrinsically

Usage note

Often contrasted with 'extrinsic', which refers to something external or not essential. 'Intrinsic' describes qualities that are part of the fundamental nature of something.

Example sentences

  1. Her love of music was intrinsic to her being.
  2. The artist's creativity was intrinsic to her success.
  3. The team's success was due to their intrinsic motivation.
  4. The joy of hiking was intrinsic to her love of nature.
  5. The scientist's curiosity was intrinsic to his research.

Quotes

  • The intrinsic value of music is something humans have known about for all time. - Billy Joel
  • The intrinsic value of each individual is that he or she can contribute something to the rest. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • The intrinsic reward of writing is the joy it brings to the writer. - Anne Lamott

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