intrinsic

[in-trin-sik, -zik]

adjective

1. belonging to a thing by its very nature.

   the intrinsic value of a gold ring.

   Synonyms: true, natural, innate, native
   Antonyms: extrinsic, extrinsic

2. Anatomy.,  (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) belonging to or lying within a given part.

intrinsic

/ ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent

2. anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part

   intrinsic muscles

Other Word Forms

• intrinsically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrinsic¹

First recorded in 1480–90; Middle English intrinsique “inner,” from Old French intrinseque “internal, inner,” from Late Latin intrinsecus “inward” (adjective), from Latin intrinsecus “on the inside, inwards” (adverb), equivalent to intrin- (from int(e)r-, as in interior + -im, an old accusative ending used as an adverb suffix + secus “beside,” derivative of sequī “to follow”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrinsic¹

C15: from Late Latin intrinsecus from Latin, inwardly, from intrā within + secus alongside; related to sequī to follow

Synonym Study

See essential.

Example Sentences

Mystery is an intrinsic part of a trip to Hollywood’s iconic Magic Castle — but that shouldn’t extend to the logistics.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s made it so intrinsic to her plot, for so many believable reasons, that it’s also the icing and the cherry on the wedding cake.

From Los Angeles Times

Mabasa and Karberg said one view was that the concept of EWC was a "legal absurdity" because "intrinsic in the legal definition of expropriation, is a requirement for compensation to be paid".

From BBC

Helped by its relative rarity, gold has been seen as an intrinsic store of value for centuries.

From BBC

"It's such an intrinsic part of our life and living, and yet we don't talk about it," she told BBC Scotland.

From BBC

Related Words

• deep-seated 
• elemental 
• inherent 
• innate 
• peculiar 
• underlying