intrinsic
belonging naturally; essential
Being a natural, basic part of something, not coming from outside.
[something] is intrinsic to [something]
- Risk is intrinsic to any new business venture.
- Curiosity is an intrinsic quality of good scientists.
- The intrinsic value of the painting goes beyond its market price.
- The story explores themes that are intrinsic to human experience.
- These problems are intrinsic to the current political system.
- Change is intrinsic to life.
- Honesty was an intrinsic part of her character.
- Some stress is intrinsic to this job.
- The joy of learning is intrinsic to the course.
- The color is an intrinsic quality of the stone.
coming from within, not outside
Coming from inside a person or thing, not because of outside rewards, pressure, or help.
intrinsic [abstract noun]
- Students with strong intrinsic motivation keep studying even when no one is watching.
- The company tries to build intrinsic rewards into the job, such as autonomy and a sense of purpose.
- He believes art has intrinsic value, even if it never sells.
- Her intrinsic interest in the subject made the long hours of research enjoyable.
- Effective teachers tap into learners’ intrinsic curiosity.
- She learns English from intrinsic motivation, not for a test.
- Money is an extrinsic reward; joy in the work is intrinsic.
- The game gives children intrinsic pleasure.
- He thinks helping others has intrinsic value.
- Good leaders try to increase workers’ intrinsic motivation.
located within the same body part
In medicine, used about muscles or parts that are inside the body part where they work, not coming from outside it.
intrinsic [anatomical noun]
- The intrinsic muscles of the hand allow for fine finger movements.
- Weakness in the intrinsic foot muscles can contribute to balance problems.
- The surgeon carefully separated the intrinsic back muscles during the procedure.
- The doctor talked about the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
- These exercises help the intrinsic muscles in your feet.
- Intrinsic back muscles support the spine.
- Base: intrinsic
intrinsic motivation
1motivation that comes from within
Wanting to do something because you enjoy it or find it meaningful, not because of outside rewards like money, grades, or praise.
- Teachers try to build intrinsic motivation so students learn because they are curious, not just for good grades.
- Her intrinsic motivation to help others led her to volunteer every weekend.
- Games can increase intrinsic motivation when they make learning feel fun and interesting.
intrinsic property
1property independent of context
A feature of a thing that it has by itself, no matter where it is or what it is next to, for example its mass or chemical structure.
- Mass is an intrinsic property of an object, while weight depends on gravity.
- Philosophers debate which moral features of actions count as intrinsic properties.
- Color can be treated as an intrinsic property in some models but not in others.
intrinsic value
1value something has in itself
How much something is worth by itself, not because of outside things like market price, other people’s opinions, or extra benefits.
- Many investors try to calculate a stock’s intrinsic value instead of just looking at the current market price.
- He argues that nature has intrinsic value, even if it brings no direct economic benefit.
- The intrinsic value of friendship cannot be measured in money.