Words / C1

in-TRINS-ik/ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/

Intrinsic means belonging to the essential nature of a thing, not added from outside. Native education writing contrasts intrinsic motivation (interest in the task) with extrinsic motivation (grades, pay). Inherent is a close synonym; intrinsic often pairs with value, property, worth. Extrinsic is the usual opposite.

Meaning

Belonging to the true nature of something.

Examples

• “The work has intrinsic value, not only a grade.”
• “Curiosity is an intrinsic reason to read, unlike extra marks.”
• “Colour is not an intrinsic property of the object in that theory.”

Good to know

intrinsic vs extrinsic. Close: inherent. intrinsic motivation = interest in the thing itself.

Near in meaning

inherent

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