Intrinsic vs. Inherent — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 18, 2024
Intrinsic refers to qualities essential to something's nature, while inherent signifies ingrained characteristics that are a fundamental part of it.
Difference Between Intrinsic and Inherent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intrinsic qualities are those that are absolutely necessary for a thing's existence or nature. For instance, the intrinsic properties of a circle include having no corners. On the other hand, inherent qualities, though closely linked and often seen as intrinsic, are those that are deeply embedded but not necessarily the defining features. An inherent trait in humans, such as the capacity for language, exemplifies this.
While intrinsic values are often used to describe abstract, essential qualities inherent to concepts or phenomena, inherent tends to describe properties that are naturally part of something in a more concrete or physical sense. For example, intrinsic value in ethics refers to something valuable in itself, whereas inherent risks in an investment are naturally occurring risks associated with that particular investment.
Intrinsic motivation arises from within an individual, driven by personal satisfaction or interest without external incentives. This contrasts with inherent abilities, such as inherent talent in music or sports, which someone may be born with and can develop over time, irrespective of their personal feelings or motivations.
In science, intrinsic properties of substances, like boiling points, do not change regardless of the amount of substance present. However, inherent characteristics can sometimes be influenced by external conditions, such as inherent vulnerabilities in software that might be exposed under certain conditions.
In literature, intrinsic themes are those that are crucial to the narrative itself, such as the intrinsic theme of morality in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Whereas inherent symbolism might be present in the settings or characters, like the inherent darkness often used to symbolize evil in gothic novels.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Essential to the basic nature of something
Permanently ingrained as part of something
Usage Context
Often abstract, fundamental qualities
Typically concrete, physical characteristics
Examples in Concepts
Intrinsic value, intrinsic properties in science
Inherent risk, inherent features in design
Influence by External Conditions
Generally not influenced by external factors
May be influenced or revealed by specific conditions
Examples in Personal Development
Intrinsic motivation
Inherent abilities like innate talents
Compare with Definitions
Intrinsic
Originating from within, not dependent on external factors.
His intrinsic interest in arts inspired him to become a painter.
Inherent
Naturally occurring; innate.
Lions have inherent predatory skills.
Intrinsic
Belonging naturally; essential.
Trust is intrinsic to successful partnerships.
Inherent
Implicit; existing as an essential constituent.
There is an inherent risk in skydiving.
Intrinsic
Inherent in the essential character of something.
An intrinsic quality of metals is their conductivity.
Inherent
Existing in something as a permanent and inseparable element.
The inherent complexities of the legal system can be daunting.
Intrinsic
Pertaining to the basic nature of something.
The intrinsic brightness of a star is a critical factor in astronomy.
Inherent
Being an indelible part of something.
Innovation is an inherent part of the tech industry.
Intrinsic
Located within the body.
Intrinsic muscles of the hand operate the fingers.
Inherent
Built-in, integral to the nature of something.
There are inherent flaws in every software.
Intrinsic
Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent.
Inherent
Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute
Any form of mountaineering has its inherent dangers
Intrinsic
(Anatomy) Situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts. Used of certain nerves and muscles.
Inherent
Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic; intrinsic
The dangers inherent in the surgery.
The inherent instability of financial markets.
Intrinsic
Innate, inherent, inseparable from the thing itself, essential.
The intrinsic value of gold or silver
The intrinsic merit of an action
Inherent
Naturally as part or consequence of something.
Intrinsic
Situated, produced, secreted in, or coming from inside an organ, tissue, muscle or member.
Inherent
Permanently existing in something; inseparably attached or connected; naturally pertaining to; innate; inalienable; as, polarity is an inherent quality of the magnet; the inherent right of men to life, liberty, and protection.
The sore disease which seems inherent in civilization.
Intrinsic
Built-in.
Inherent
Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic;
The Ptolemaic system with its built-in concept of periodicity
A constitutional inability to tell the truth
Intrinsic
A built-in function that is implemented directly by the compiler, without any intermediate call to a library.
SIMD intrinics
Inherent
Present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
Intrinsic
(video games) An ability possessed by a character and not requiring any external equipment.
You can acquire the fire-resistance intrinsic''' by eating dragon meat.
Inherent
In the nature of something though not readily apparent;
Shortcomings inherent in our approach
An underlying meaning
Intrinsic
Inward; internal; hence, true; genuine; real; essential; inherent; not merely apparent or accidental; - opposed to extrinsic; as, the intrinsic value of gold or silver; the intrinsic merit of an action; the intrinsic worth or goodness of a person.
He was better qualified than they to estimate justly the intrinsic value of Grecian philosophy and refinement.
Intrinsic
Included wholly within an organ or limb, as certain groups of muscles; - opposed to extrinsic.
Intrinsic
A genuine quality.
Intrinsic
Belonging to a thing by its very nature;
Form was treated as something intrinsic, as the very essence of the thing
Intrinsic
Situated within or belonging solely to the organ or body part on which it acts;
Intrinsic muscles
Common Curiosities
How do intrinsic values differ in philosophy and economics?
In philosophy, intrinsic values are regarded as morally worthwhile in themselves, whereas in economics, intrinsic values refer to the inherent worth of something regardless of external factors.
What are examples of intrinsic properties in science?
Intrinsic properties in science include density, boiling point, and chemical composition, which do not change with the amount of substance.
Can something be both intrinsic and inherent?
Yes, some qualities can be both intrinsic and inherent if they are fundamentally essential and naturally embedded within something.
Is 'intrinsic' more about internal qualities?
Yes, intrinsic often refers to qualities that originate from within an entity, defining its very nature.
Can inherent characteristics be modified?
While inherent characteristics are deeply embedded, some may be modified or influenced under specific conditions, unlike intrinsic qualities that are usually immutable.
What role does intrinsic analysis play in literature?
Intrinsic analysis in literature examines elements like themes and stylistic choices that are integral to understanding the text itself.
Why is intrinsic motivation important in education?
Intrinsic motivation is crucial in education as it drives students to learn out of interest or enjoyment, leading to better learning outcomes.
What is the main difference between intrinsic and inherent?
Intrinsic qualities are essential to the nature of something, while inherent qualities are deeply embedded and naturally part of it.
How does inherent risk appear in business?
Inherent risk in business refers to the exposure to errors in financial statements due to factors not controlled by internal processes.
Are inherent qualities always positive?
No, inherent qualities can be either positive or negative, such as inherent strengths or weaknesses.
Can inherent traits be inherited genetically?
Yes, many inherent traits, such as eye color or genetic disorders, are inherited from one's parents.
How do intrinsic and inherent differ in usage in everyday language?
In everyday language, intrinsic often refers to indispensable qualities or values, whereas inherent is used for qualities that are naturally part of something or someone.
What does inherent mean in legal terms?
In legal contexts, inherent refers to powers or privileges that are naturally part of an entity's legal standing or position.
How are intrinsic values used in ethics?
In ethics, intrinsic values are considered valuable for their own sake, guiding moral judgment.
Is intrinsic or inherent used more frequently in scientific contexts?
Intrinsic is more frequently used in scientific contexts to describe properties that are fundamental and not dependent on external conditions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
