intrinsically valuable

USAGE SUMMARY

"intrinsically valuable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about something that has inherent or intrinsic value, or that is valuable in and of itself. Example sentence: This rare gemstone has an intrinsically valuable beauty that cannot be replicated.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is life intrinsically valuable?

Encyclopedia Britannica

When do you think a robot should be treated as intrinsically valuable?

The New York Times - Science

The question really is, When does a creature deserve to be treated as intrinsically valuable?

The New York Times - Science

Its value is entirely dependent on its popularity, not on intrinsically valuable technology or distribution systems.

The New York Times

Helping the poor and unemployed is intrinsically valuable, but is not free.

The New York Times

Moreover, if life is intrinsically valuable, the question arises: valuable to whom?

The Economist

Biologists may take a less romantic view, but much scientific discussion also treats the animal as intrinsically valuable.

The Guardian - Opinion

PE is taught through dance, games, gymnastics, swimming and outdoor adventurous and athletic activities – all considered intrinsically valuable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Chinese have historically regarded carved-jade objects as intrinsically valuable, and they metaphorically equated jade with purity and indestructibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"All human beings are intrinsically valuable," he wrote, "and the intentional taking of human life by private persons is always wrong".

The New Yorker

"I want Barclays to be a bank where our employees choose to work here because they believe in the institution, and its intrinsically valuable role in society".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethics or philosophy, use "intrinsically valuable" to denote entities or concepts considered good in and of themselves, without needing further justification.

Common error

Avoid using "intrinsically valuable" when you actually mean something is instrumentally valuable. Instrumental value refers to things that are valuable because they lead to something else good. Intrinsic value is inherent and not dependent on external outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intrinsically valuable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, attributing inherent worth or importance to it. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes something valuable in and of itself, irrespective of its external benefits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intrinsically valuable" is a frequently used adjective phrase that highlights the inherent worth of something, independent of its utility or external benefits. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in formal and informal contexts, though it appears more commonly in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. To avoid misuse, ensure the value you are describing is truly inherent and not merely instrumental. Consider alternatives like "inherently valuable" or "valuable in itself" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inherently valuable

Emphasizes the inherent nature of the value.

Inherently precious

Focuses on the precious nature of the inherent value.

Valuable in itself

Expresses the idea of intrinsic value using a more descriptive phrase.

Intrinsically priceless

Highlights the priceless aspect of the intrinsic value.

Valuable for its own sake

Emphasizes the value existing independently of external factors.

Essentially worthwhile

Uses 'worthwhile' to convey value and 'essentially' to indicate inherent quality.

Inherent worth

Shifts the focus to 'worth' as the key noun, emphasizing the inherent nature.

Truly valuable

Expresses the genuine nature of the value.

Fundamentally important

Highlights the fundamental nature of the importance, shifting the focus slightly from value.

Of intrinsic merit

Uses 'merit' to convey value, adding a formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "intrinsically valuable" in a sentence?

You can use "intrinsically valuable" to describe something that has value in itself, not just for what it can do. For example, "Education is "intrinsically valuable" because it enriches the mind."

What's the difference between "intrinsically valuable" and "extrinsically valuable"?

"Intrinsically valuable" means something is valuable in itself, while "extrinsically valuable" means something is valuable because of what it can get you. Health, for example, is "intrinsically valuable", while money is often only "extrinsically valuable".

What are some alternatives to "intrinsically valuable"?

Alternatives include "inherently valuable", "valuable in itself", or "intrinsically worthwhile depending on the specific context".

Is it always better for something to be intrinsically valuable?

Not necessarily. While intrinsic value suggests inherent worth, sometimes things are valuable only for their usefulness (extrinsic value). Both types of value have their place, depending on the context and what you're trying to achieve.