Word
intrinsic
Phoneticsin·trin·sic, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɹɪnsɪk/
UK/ɪntɹˈɪnzɪk/
Definitions
01essential or natural
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. belonging to the real nature of a thing or person; not added from the outside.
adj. belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing; inherent and inseparable.
Español:intrínseco
“Flexibility is an intrinsic part of being a successful athlete.”
“The study argues that the desire for autonomy is intrinsic to human nature, regardless of cultural upbringing or economic status.”
Usage
Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be'.
Antonyms
02inside a body part
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Technical
adj. located entirely inside a specific organ or body part, like a muscle.
adj. situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part, especially of a muscle or organ.
“The intrinsic muscles of the hand allow for very fine movements.”
“The surgeon noted that the intrinsic nerves of the organ remained intact despite the surrounding trauma.”
Teaching tip
In medical contexts, this is the direct opposite of 'extrinsic', which refers to parts that originate outside the structure they move.
Antonyms
03built-in programming function
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a special function that is built directly into a computer's programming language.
n. a function whose implementation is handled specially by the compiler rather than being part of a standard library.
“The programmer used a compiler intrinsic to make the math run faster.”
“By utilizing hardware intrinsics, the developer was able to optimize the video processing loop for specific CPU architectures.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Search goods are products whose features can be evaluated before a purchase, while experience goods are products for which customers place greater value on functionality and intrinsic quality.” “From then on, Scotland became an intrinsic part of the union, including the later evils of transatlantic slavery, a role that can sometimes go unacknowledged north of the border.” Etymology
From Middle French intrinsèque, from Latin intrīnsecus (“on the inside, inwardly”), from *intrim, an assumed adverbial form of inter (“within”) + secus (“by, on the side”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/intrinsic
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0