Home / Dictionary / Intrinsic

Intrinsic Common

Intrinsic has 4 different meanings across 1 category:

Adjective

Definitions
Noun
1

A built-in function that is implemented directly by the compiler, without any intermediate call to a library.

"The language specification defines 'abs' as an intrinsic operation that executes directly within the CPU without invoking external libraries."

In plain English: An intrinsic value is something that has worth just because it exists, not for any outside reason.

"The intrinsic value of honesty makes people trust each other more easily."

Adjective
1

belonging to a thing by its very nature

"form was treated as something intrinsic, as the very essence of the thing"

2

situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts

"intrinsic muscles"

3

Innate, inherent, inseparable from the thing itself, essential.

"The beauty of that flower is intrinsic to its vibrant colors and delicate petals."

In plain English: Intrinsic means something that is built into an object or person and exists naturally within them rather than being added from outside.

"Honesty is an intrinsic quality that makes her a trusted friend."

Usage: Use intrinsic when describing qualities or values that are naturally part of something and cannot be separated from it. This word emphasizes an innate characteristic rather than one added externally by design or circumstance.

Example Sentences
"Honesty is an intrinsic quality that makes her a trusted friend." adj
"The intrinsic value of honesty makes people trust each other more easily." noun
"The intrinsic value of this old coin is not in its metal but in its history." noun
"Her intrinsic worth was recognized by everyone who knew her for years." noun
"We must understand the intrinsic nature of human rights before we can protect them." noun
Related Terms
Antonyms
extrinsic

Origin

The word "intrinsic" comes from the Middle French term intrinsèque, which was borrowed from Latin. It originally meant "on the inside" or "inwardly," describing something that exists within itself rather than being added from outside.

Rhyming Words
sic asic arsic pasic tisic music mesic nesic rasic basic vhsic gypsic persic massic cossic tussic amusic felsic phasic qbasic
Compare
Intrinsic vs