Word
intrinsically
Phoneticsin·trin·si·cal·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɹɪnsɪkəɫi/
UK/ɪntɹˈɪnzɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. describes a quality that is a natural and permanent part of something. You use it to say that a characteristic cannot be separated from the thing itself.
adv. in an essential or natural way; by the very nature of the subject. Often used to describe qualities that are inherent rather than added or external.
Examples
“The job is intrinsically difficult but very rewarding.”
“Most experts agree that the two issues are intrinsically linked and cannot be solved separately.”
“The philosopher argued that human beings are not intrinsically selfish, but rather that social structures often incentivise competitive behaviour over cooperation.”
Examples
simple
“The job is intrinsically difficult but very rewarding.”
contextual
“Most experts agree that the two issues are intrinsically linked and cannot be solved separately.”
complex
“The philosopher argued that human beings are not intrinsically selfish, but rather that social structures often incentivise competitive behaviour over cooperation.”
Usage
Typically placed before an adjective or a past participle to modify an inherent state.
Real-World Examples
“While there is no single, agreed-upon definition of play, many agree that it is any activity that is intrinsically motivated, freely chosen and enjoyable .” “The experiments showed that PCM1 can intrinsically form granules through multimerization—the binding of multiple PCM1 molecules to one another.” Etymology
From intrinsic + -ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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