intrinsic

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/ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk/
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Belonging to what something is in itself, with uses ranging from everyday qualities and motivation to material properties, finance, anatomy, and geometry.

Examples

  • The defect changed an otherwise intrinsic optical property.
  • In differential geometry, an intrinsic metric defines distances on a manifold.
  • A margin of safety compares price with intrinsic value.
  • The company's patents may add to its intrinsic worth.
  • Computer graphics systems often estimate intrinsic properties of surfaces.

Similar words

fundamental
built-in
fundamental value
true value
natural
inherent
personal
inherent
inherent
natural

Meanings

Inherent quality

adjective
everyday
neutral
Belonging to the basic nature of a person or thing, rather than being added from outside

Examples

  • The intrinsic beauty of the landscape captivated the hikers.
  • Her intrinsic kindness made her popular among colleagues.
  • The intrinsic value of honesty cannot be overstated.
  • An intrinsic part of the culture is respect for elders.
  • The plan had an intrinsic flaw that everyone overlooked.
  • The work has little intrinsic interest without the historical context.

Similar words

Internal motivation

adjective
psychology
neutral
Driven by interest, enjoyment, or satisfaction in the activity itself, not by an outside reward

Examples

  • Children often show intrinsic motivation when they play for the joy of it.
  • The course encouraged intrinsic interest in science.
  • Intrinsic rewards can make practice feel meaningful.
  • His intrinsic motivation faded when every task became a competition.
  • Reading for pleasure is a clear example of intrinsic motivation.
  • The study compared intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for learning.

Similar words

Material property

adjective
technical
neutral
Describing a property that comes from a material's own composition or structure, not from impurities, size, or surroundings

Examples

  • The intrinsic conductivity of the semiconductor changes with doping.
  • Scientists measured the intrinsic resistance of the material.
  • The intrinsic hardness of diamond makes it useful for cutting tools.
  • The defect changed an otherwise intrinsic optical property.
  • The intrinsic color of the pigment remains stable in sunlight.
  • Researchers studied the intrinsic elasticity of the polymer.

Similar words

Fundamental financial worth

adjective
business
neutral
Based on an asset's estimated real worth, especially from fundamentals, rather than its current market price

Examples

  • Investors assess the intrinsic value of a stock before buying.
  • The company's patents may add to its intrinsic worth.
  • Option pricing models separate intrinsic value from time value.
  • A bond's intrinsic value can be estimated from its cash flows.
  • Analysts argued that the asset's intrinsic value exceeded its market price.
  • A margin of safety compares price with intrinsic value.

Similar words

Contained within a body part

adjective
medical
technical
Originating inside a body, organ, or part, especially when a muscle begins and ends within the same structure

Examples

  • The hand's intrinsic muscles control fine finger movements.
  • Foot intrinsic muscles support the arch during walking.
  • Physical therapy can strengthen weakened intrinsic muscles.
  • Surgeons must avoid damaging the intrinsic muscles during repair.
  • Athletes train the foot's intrinsic muscles to improve balance.
  • The intrinsic muscles of the tongue help shape speech sounds.

Similar words

Independent of embedding

adjective
mathematics
technical
Depending only on an object's own geometry or structure, not on how it sits in a surrounding space

Examples

  • Gaussian curvature is an intrinsic property of a surface.
  • Einstein's theory uses intrinsic properties of spacetime.
  • In differential geometry, an intrinsic metric defines distances on a manifold.
  • The intrinsic dimension of a dataset can be lower than its ambient dimension.
  • Computer graphics systems often estimate intrinsic properties of surfaces.
  • Intrinsic geometry lets the problem be solved without choosing an embedding.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old French intrinseque, from Latin intrinsecus, meaning "inwardly" or "on the inside".

FAQ

What does intrinsic mean?

Intrinsic means belonging to the essential nature of something, not added from outside.

What is the opposite of intrinsic?

The usual opposite is extrinsic, meaning external or coming from outside.

Is intrinsic a noun?

Intrinsic is normally an adjective. Phrases such as intrinsic value or intrinsic property need a noun after it.

What does intrinsic value mean?

Intrinsic value is an estimate of real worth, often based on fundamentals rather than market price.

What is intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is motivation that comes from enjoyment or interest in the activity itself.

What are intrinsic muscles?

Intrinsic muscles are located within the body part or organ they move, such as many small muscles of the hand.

What is an intrinsic property in science?

An intrinsic property belongs to the material or system itself, not to impurities, sample shape, or outside conditions.

Where does intrinsic come from?

Intrinsic comes through French from Latin intrinsecus, meaning "inwardly" or "on the inside".

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