To know how to use a word in a sentence, we need two things. Firstly, we need to understand its meaning clearly.
There can be no ambiguity in its definition. Secondly, we need to know which part of speech it belongs to so as to know where it belongs in a sentence.
With that in mind, let’s look at how you can use “intrinsic.”
How to use intrinsic in a sentence?
“Intrinsic” is an adjective, and it has two main definitions. The main one, the one used most commonly, means that something is essential to something else or that a specific quality belongs to the other thing by its very nature. Here’s an example: “The intrinsic value of the watch was more emotional than commercial.”
In the above sentence, “intrinsic” is an adjective that describes the noun “value.” It lets us know that the “value” we are talking about is part and parcel of the watch and is inalienable to it.
The other definition pertains to anatomy. Simply, in biology, “intrinsic” means that an organ belongs or lies within another organ.
It is usually used to talk about certain muscles or nerves.
More examples of usage
Let’s look at examples that encompass the first meaning of “intrinsic.”
One word that gets paired with “intrinsic” a lot is the word “value.” The two are put together as a way of talking about something’s internal worth.
And, here are a few examples using the other definition of “intrinsic,” the anatomical one.
The intrinsic muscles of the back, also known as the deep muscles, are responsible for the movement of the vertebral column.
The intrinsic muscles of the shoulder start from the scapula and go all the way to attach to the humerus.
”Intrinsically”
The adverb of “intrinsic” is “intrinsically.” It is used to describe the manner in which someone performs a specific action.
The gold plate was intrinsically more valuable than the silver watch.
Another way of phrasing the above sentence would be as follows.
The intrinsic value of the gold plate was higher than that of the silver watch.
Where does the word “intrinsic” come from?
Before moving on, it might be worth tracing the origin of the word “intrinsic.”
The word itself was first recorded some time around 1480- 1490. It came from the Middle English word “intrinsique,” which meant “inner.” And, in Old French, “intrinseque” meant “internal or inner.”
Now, if we go back further, we will find the roots of “intrinsic” in the Latin word “intrinsecus.”
“Intrinsecus” can be broken down into smaller components. You have “intra,” which means “inwardly or interior.”
There is also “-im,” which was an old accusative ending, one used as an adverb suffix.
Finally, you have “secus,” which meant “beside or alongside.” In fact, “secus” is related to “sequi,” which means to “follow.”
Interestingly, by understanding where the word comes from, it becomes easy to figure out its antonym.
All you have to do is to change the “intra” to an “extra,” and you get “extrinsic.” “Extra” in Latin means “outside or beyond.”
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.