intrinsically
gb/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli/ us/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in its essential nature
Because of what something is naturally like; essentially.
Usage pattern:
intrinsically + [adjective] / [verb] intrinsically
Common mistake:
Often confused with extrinsically (because of outside factors) or used where simply really/very would be more natural.
Synonyms
inherently (Closest in meaning; very common in the same contexts.)
|
essentially (Often slightly less philosophical; can also mean 'basically'.)
|
fundamentally (Emphasizes the underlying base or foundation.)
Antonyms
extrinsically (Opposite focus: due to outside factors, not internal nature.)
Collocations
intrinsically linked
|intrinsically connected
|intrinsically related
|intrinsically different
|intrinsically harmful
|intrinsically important
|intrinsically complex
|intrinsically unstable
|intrinsically flawed
|intrinsically safe
Themes
general_english
|description
|evaluation
Examples
- The two issues are intrinsically linked, so you can’t solve one without addressing the other.
- The material is intrinsically fire-resistant, so it doesn’t need extra treatment.
- Her argument sounds persuasive, but it is intrinsically inconsistent.
Learner examples
- Cats are intrinsically curious animals.
- This system is intrinsically unstable.
adverb
formal
C1
relation
2
for its own inherent value
Because it is good or enjoyable in itself, not because you get something extra for it.
Usage pattern:
intrinsically + rewarding/interesting/valuable
Common mistake:
In this sense it contrasts with extrinsically (e.g., motivated by money or grades), not with internally (inside a place).
Synonyms
inherently (Can overlap, but does not always highlight the idea of 'for its own sake'.)
|
in itself (More conversational phrasing for the same idea.)
Antonyms
extrinsically (Motivated or valued because of external rewards or outcomes.)
Collocations
intrinsically rewarding
|intrinsically interesting
|intrinsically valuable
|intrinsically motivating
|intrinsically meaningful
|intrinsically satisfying
|intrinsically good
|intrinsically bad
Themes
education
|psychology
|work
|ethics
Examples
- She finds teaching intrinsically rewarding, even when the workload is heavy.
- The game is intrinsically enjoyable, not just popular because of its marketing.
- They argued that the landscape is intrinsically valuable and should be protected.
Learner examples
- I think reading is intrinsically valuable.
- He is intrinsically motivated to learn.
Grammar
Dictionary form
intrinsically
IPA
GB/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli/
US/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli/
Syllables & stress
in - trins - ic - ally (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (trins)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: intrinsically
- Plural: intrinsicallies
Word family
Forms
intrinsicallies
noun
Core family
intrinsic
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
extrinsic
adjective
extrinsically
adverb
Expressions
intrinsically flawed
1/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli flˈɔd/
fixed phrase
formal
wrong in its basic design
Having a serious problem inside it from the start.
Examples
- Critics say the proposal is intrinsically flawed because it ignores basic costs.
- The argument is intrinsically flawed: its conclusion contradicts its main assumption.
- The design is intrinsically flawed and needs a complete rethink.
intrinsically linked
1/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli lˈɪŋkt/
fixed phrase
formal
connected by their nature
Naturally and strongly connected.
Examples
- Public health is intrinsically linked to housing and income.
- In the film, memory is intrinsically linked to identity.
- Quality and safety are intrinsically linked in this industry.
intrinsically motivated
1/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli mˈoʊtəvˌeɪtɪd/
fixed phrase
formal
driven by internal interest
Wanting to do something because you enjoy it.
Examples
- Intrinsically motivated students tend to persist longer when tasks get difficult.
- He is intrinsically motivated to improve, even without a bonus.
- The course is designed to make learners intrinsically motivated.
intrinsically rewarding
1/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli ɹɪwˈɔɹdɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
satisfying in itself
Enjoyable and satisfying by itself.
Examples
- Volunteering can be intrinsically rewarding, even when it is tiring.
- She chose research because she finds problem-solving intrinsically rewarding.
- The work is intrinsically rewarding but not well paid.
intrinsically safe
1/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli sˈeɪf/
fixed phrase
technical
designed to prevent ignition
Made to be safe in places with flammable gas or dust.
Examples
- The refinery requires intrinsically safe radios for workers in hazardous zones.
- They replaced the sensors with intrinsically safe equipment certified for explosive atmospheres.
- Intrinsically safe circuits limit energy to prevent ignition.
intrinsically valuable
1/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli vˈæljubəl/
fixed phrase
formal
valuable in itself
Important or good in itself.
Examples
- They argue that biodiversity is intrinsically valuable, not just useful to humans.
- For her, honesty is intrinsically valuable.
- The museum treats the artifact as intrinsically valuable, regardless of its market price.
intrinsically wrong
1/ɪntɹˈɪnsɪkli ɹˈɔŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
wrong by its nature
Always morally wrong, no matter what.
Examples
- Some people argue that torture is intrinsically wrong, even to prevent violence.
- The philosopher claimed the act is intrinsically wrong, not just harmful in practice.
- They debated whether lying is intrinsically wrong or wrong only in certain situations.