intrinsically

adverb

in·​trin·​si·​cal·​ly in-ˈtrin-zi-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈtrin(t)-si-

: in an intrinsic manner : by natural character : in itself

an intrinsically difficult language

intrinsically evil/valuable

The media do not have to go along with the pretense that there is something intrinsically virtuous about a movement with no leaders.

—David Carr

While etymologies of such terms are intrinsically interesting, they can also serve one of the aims of critical pedagogies …

—Jennifer Beech

Environmentalists have tended to treat big buildings as intrinsically wasteful, because large amounts of energy are expended in their construction, and because the buildings place intensely localized stresses on sewers, power lines, and water systems.

—David Owen

Synonyms

• congenitally
• constitutionally
• inherently
• innately
• naturally

Examples of intrinsically in a Sentence

he's worked hard to be good at baseball, as he's not intrinsically athletic

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a very special piece, intrinsically valued. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Starting with a less sweet drink is, on its own, an intrinsically better option for people. —Megan Poinski, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

By the spring of 2024, Mr. Trump's campaign was intrinsically tied to his time in court. —Graham Kates, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025

State of play: Veterans are intrinsically tied to San Antonio. —Emily Peck, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above