intrinsic.

belonging to the essential nature of something rather than depending on an external factor

Use it for

Words that belong together

• intrinsic value
• intrinsic motivation
• intrinsic property

On the page

The study distinguishes intrinsic motivation from external rewards.

The material's intrinsic properties limit its use.

The essay argues that friendship has intrinsic value.

Usage notes

Primary curation section: Academic. Often contrasted with extrinsic. Do not use it merely as an emphatic replacement for important. Normally non-gradable in the strict sense. Related adverb: intrinsically.