intrinsically good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intrinsically good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is inherently or fundamentally good in nature, regardless of external factors. Example: "Many philosophers argue that kindness is intrinsically good, as it promotes well-being and harmony among individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If intrinsic value is an intrinsic property, however, how intrinsically good something is shouldn't be able to change, simply on the basis of its environment or surroundings.

SEP

Another complication is that it may not in fact be accurate to say that whatever is intrinsically good is nonderivatively good; some intrinsic value may be derivative.

SEP

The felt goodness of experience is what is intrinsically good or valuable for its own sake.

SEP

I believe that the material world is intrinsically good and has its origin as an expression of divine goodness.

Huffington Post

There is something intrinsically good about music.

The Guardian - Business

"Intrinsically, good design will be sustainable".

The Guardian

Siliceous grain boundary films readily corrode and compromise the intrinsically good corrosion resistance of bulk alumina.

Acta Materialia

The upside bias is also reinforced by the general belief that cooperation, sharing, and teamwork are intrinsically good for organizations.

Harvard Business Review

Rather than concluding that humans are intrinsically "good," "evil," or neither, Cortes Barrigan proposes that such beliefs play a causal role in producing the relevant behaviors.

University of California, Berkeley

He explained that past efforts to modify graphene to create such a band gap have degraded the intrinsically good properties of graphene, rendering it much less useful.

Columbia University

There are cards that are good news and cards that are bad news, but Butterfly was neither intrinsically good nor bad.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intrinsically good", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the subject inherently positive and avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "intrinsically good" when describing personal preferences or subjective opinions. The phrase implies an objective, inherent quality, not just a matter of taste.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intrinsically good" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing something as possessing inherent goodness or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys that something is fundamentally positive, regardless of external factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intrinsically good" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase signifying inherent value or positivity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage spans across various contexts, primarily within science, news, and encyclopedic sources. While applicable in diverse scenarios, it's crucial to ensure the context supports an objective assessment of inherent goodness. Alternatives like "inherently positive" or "fundamentally valuable" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings, depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrinsically valuable

Synonymous, but emphasizes the value aspect more directly.

good in itself

Stresses the self-contained goodness, without external reference.

inherently positive

Focuses on the inherent and positive nature of something.

valuable in its own right

Similar to "good in itself", but emphasizes the right to be valued.

fundamentally valuable

Emphasizes the basic and essential value.

good by nature

Underscores that the goodness is a part of its inherent character.

essentially beneficial

Focuses on the core benefits provided.

inherently virtuous

Highlights the inherent moral excellence.

inherently desirable

Highlights the inherent quality of being wanted or wished for.

purely beneficial

Focuses on the unadulterated benefits of something.

FAQs

How to use "intrinsically good" in a sentence?

You can use "intrinsically good" to describe something that is inherently valuable or positive. For example, "Many believe that acts of kindness are "intrinsically good" because they promote empathy and compassion."

What can I say instead of "intrinsically good"?

You can use alternatives like "inherently positive", "fundamentally valuable", or "good in itself" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "intrinsically good" and "extrinsically good"?

"Intrinsically good" refers to something that is good in itself, while "extrinsically good" refers to something that is good because of its consequences or effects. For example, happiness might be considered "intrinsically good", while money is often considered extrinsically good because it can buy things that bring happiness.

Is there a philosophical debate about what is "intrinsically good"?

Yes, there's extensive philosophical debate. Different schools of thought propose various candidates, such as pleasure, knowledge, virtue, or love, as being "intrinsically good". The debate often revolves around whether any single thing can be definitively labeled as such or if goodness is pluralistic.