intrinsic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intrinsic' is correct and completely usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something which is a natural or inherent part of something else. For example, "He was born with an intrinsic love of nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nobody seems to have thought of [this] before: to put up strong modern structures in a manner which brings a benefit intrinsic to the structures' design – the capture and storage of rain".

The Guardian

While it may not be the levels of far-off destitution we're most inclined to recall, the truth is that many go without the most basic of comforts we consider intrinsic to living.

The Guardian - Opinion

I added that it was particularly important to challenge the relevance of "instrumental arguments" about funding; even more so to insist on the "intrinsic importance of values as a key justification" for arts support.

The Guardian

He says understanding politics is intrinsic to understanding the city and has established the more overtly political Chip Tours, which specialises in human rights tours led by left-leaning guides who lived through the period.

The Guardian

As for how safe this makes GM, Baulcombe says: The European roadblock on GM would be appropriate if there were evidence for an intrinsic hazard, but there is not.

The Guardian

But it's the glints of an intrinsic decency Levi is able to locate in his fellow man, even under the shadow of the darkest evidence of his capacity for brutality, which form the heart of this tale.

The Guardian - Books

If an air of disappointment hangs around him then that too is somehow intrinsic to the vision of the world summed up by his image.

The Guardian - Film

My goal is to make sustainable roads, where the connection between the car and the road is more intrinsic".

The Guardian

"Even accepting that an element of mental disturbance was intrinsic to the commission of these crimes, the interests of justice require nothing less than a whole life order".

The Guardian

Intrinsic to that campaign was her own personal quest for self-expression as a female, and feminist, artist.

The Guardian - Arts

Encouraged by invitations to appear on Newsnight et al into believing their ability to lightly entertain gives their views some intrinsic interest and authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intrinsic" to emphasize that a quality or characteristic is an essential and inseparable part of something. This adds depth and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "intrinsic" when you mean "extrinsic". "Intrinsic" refers to qualities that are inherent and internal, while "extrinsic" refers to qualities that are external or not essential. For instance, the "intrinsic" value of art is its inherent beauty, while its extrinsic value might be its market price.

Linguistic Context

The word "intrinsic" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe qualities that are inherent, essential, or natural to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote qualities that are inseparable from the thing itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "intrinsic" is a versatile adjective used to describe qualities that are inherent and essential to something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it denotes qualities inseparable from the subject itself. It is commonly used in news, business, and scientific contexts to emphasize the inherent nature or value of something. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to distinguish "intrinsic" from "extrinsic", which refers to external qualities. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively convey the essential characteristics of their subjects with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent

Focuses on a quality that is permanently part of something.

essential

Emphasizes the fundamental importance of a quality.

innate

Highlights a quality that is present from birth or origin.

inherent quality

Specifically describes a quality that is a natural part of something.

fundamental

Stresses the basic and crucial nature of a characteristic.

integral

Implies that something is a necessary part of a whole.

built-in

Suggests a quality that is included as a standard feature.

elemental

Refers to the basic and essential constituents of something.

congenital

Describes a trait acquired between conception and birth.

constitutional

Relates to the fundamental principles according to which a state or organization is acknowledged to be governed.

FAQs

How to use "intrinsic" in a sentence?

Use "intrinsic" to describe qualities that are inherent and essential to something. For example, "The "intrinsic value" of education lies in its ability to broaden one's understanding of the world."

What can I say instead of "intrinsic"?

You can use alternatives like "inherent", "essential", or "innate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "intrinsic" or "extrinsic"?

"Intrinsic" refers to qualities that are inherent and internal, while "extrinsic" refers to qualities that are external or not essential. Choose the word that accurately reflects whether the quality is an essential part of the subject or something added from the outside.

What's the difference between "intrinsic" and "integral"?

"Intrinsic" emphasizes that a quality is inherent and inseparable from something, while "integral" implies that something is a necessary part of a whole. "Intrinsic" focuses on inherent qualities, and "integral" focuses on essential components.