adj · formal
intrinsic
/ɪnˈtrɪnzɪk/in·TRIN·sic
belonging naturally to something or someone; essential
Examples
“She believes that curiosity is intrinsic to scientific thinking.”
“The committee assessed the intrinsic value of the artefact, not just its market price.”
“Intrinsic motivation often leads to more sustained learning than external rewards.”
Band 8 sentence
“While many factors affect student performance, the researchers argued that intrinsic motivation is the most durable predictor of long‑term success.”
Collocations
- intrinsic value
- intrinsic motivation
- intrinsic to
Word family
Common mistakes
use 'intrinsicly' or 'intrinsicly' (spelling)→intrinsically
translate as 'nội tại' and then write 'the intrinsic' before any noun without context→use 'intrinsic' with a noun or 'intrinsic to + noun' correctly
confuse intrinsic with 'essential' in informal speech→use 'intrinsic' for inherent/natural qualities, not just 'necessary'
Say it for a higher band
5natural→6inherent→7+intrinsic
Synonyms
inherent
innate
Easily confused
inherent
“The risks are inherent in the procedure.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Sublist 8
Learn it with its set