Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

intrinsic

adjective
 
 
/ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk/

Definition

C2 being an extremely important and basic characteristic of a person or thing: works of little intrinsic value/interest Maths is an intrinsic part of the school curriculum.Essential or necessary intrinsically
 
 
/-zɪ.kəl.i/ adverb
Essential or necessary
(Definition of intrinsic adjective from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“intrinsic” in other dictionaries

Word of the Day

rain on sb's parade

to do something that spoils someone's plans

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More