YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

intrinsic

Adjective

IPA /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

Belonging to the basic nature of something, so that its value or quality comes from what it is in itself.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

intrinsic/ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

The intrinsic pleasure of gardening keeps me going, even when nothing blooms.
She studies history for its intrinsic interest, without worrying about exam results.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

The ________ pleasure of gardening keeps me going, even when nothing blooms.

Show the answer

intrinsic — Belonging to the basic nature of something, so that its value or quality comes from what it is in itself.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “intrinsic” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Belonging to the basic nature of something, so that its value or quality comes from what it is in itself.

Compare: The intrinsic pleasure of gardening keeps me going, even when nothing blooms.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Word origin

From Late Latin intrinsecus, meaning inwardly, based on Latin intra, meaning within.

Did you know?

Intrinsically is the adverb: an activity can be intrinsically interesting or rewarding.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.