Spell Bee Word: intrinsic

Basic Details

Word: Intrinsic

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Belonging naturally to something; part of what it really is, not added from outside.

Synonyms: natural, built-in, inherent

Antonyms: extrinsic, external

How to Spell Intrinsic

Syllables: in - trin - sic

Tricky part: All three vowels are i, and the word ends in sic, with an s and a c, not sik or zic.

Watch out for: intrinsik, intrensic, intrinsec, intrinzic

Memory tip: Three syllables, three i's: In-trIn-sIc. Every vowel in the word is an i.

Usage Examples

Example 1: Curiosity is intrinsic to children; nobody has to teach them to ask why.

Example 2: Gold has intrinsic value, but a paper note is worth something only because the bank stands behind it.

Example 3: The intrinsic beauty of a sunrise needs no photo filter.

Fun Fact

Psychologists say intrinsic motivation when you do something because you enjoy it, like reading for fun, and extrinsic motivation when you do it for a reward.

Practise the CREST Way

Word Connection

Choose the antonym of the word:

intrinsic

a) inherent
b) natural
c) external
d) built-in

Word Cookie

Insert the correct pair of letters to form a word:

intr_ns_c

a) a, i
b) e, i
c) i, i
d) i, e

Mingle-Mangle

Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:

nicsintir

a) intrusion
b) instinct
c) intrinsic
d) insist

Multiple Choice Questions

1. A diamond's hardness is intrinsic to it. This means hardness is ____.

a) added by a jeweller
b) part of its very nature
c) a kind of polish
d) printed on its price tag

2. Which of these is intrinsic to a fish?

a) a name tag
b) breathing through gills
c) fish food
d) a glass bowl