intrinsecus

Intrinsecus is a Latin adjective and adverb meaning inward, internal, or inherent. In classical and late Latin, it describes qualities or aspects that belong to the essence or internal nature of a thing, as opposed to those arising from external relations. The term can function adjectivally to modify a noun or adverbially to mean inwardly or internally. The related antonym extrinsecus denotes things external or external to a thing’s nature.

In usage, intrinsecus appears in discussions that contrast intrinsic properties with extrinsic ones, or innate dispositions with those dependent on external circumstances. It is part of the broader Latin vocabulary that underpins modern philosophical language about what a thing has “in itself” versus what it has because of its relations or context.

Relationship to English: the modern English word intrinsic derives from intrinsecus, passing through medieval Latin and Old French into English. Because intrinsecus is primarily a historical or linguistic term, it is most often encountered in philological, translational, or scholastic contexts rather than as everyday vocabulary.

Today, intrinsecus is typically of interest to students of Latin, historical linguistics, and philosophy of language. It provides etymological insight into the common English terms intrinsic and intrinsic value, and helps illustrate how Latin roots shaped the vocabulary used to discuss inherent versus external properties. See also intrinsic, extrinsic, intrinsic properties.