intrinsic

Everyday

(formal) Belonging to the real nature of something itself, not coming from outside: intrinsic value. tree →

In the lessons

In formal writing, maths (intrinsic properties), science and ethics; intrinsic motivation means doing something because you enjoy it, not for a reward. Phrases: intrinsic value, intrinsic motivation, intrinsic to.

Examples

• Gold has intrinsic value, but paper money has value because people agree it does. tree →
• Kindness is intrinsic to her character. tree →
• Reading for fun gives intrinsic motivation. tree →
• Every person has intrinsic worth. tree →
• Risk is intrinsic to mountain climbing. tree →
• The coin's intrinsic value is less than its face value. tree →
• Even the iron claw hung inactive; as if knowing that it was no intrinsic part of what the attacking force wanted. tree →

Note

Formal. Opposite: extrinsic (coming from outside). Adverb: intrinsically.