Synonyms: intrinsic, intrinsical
Definition: belonging to a thing by its very nature
Usage: form was treated as something intrinsic, as the very essence of the thing- John Dewey
Similar words: inherent, integral, inbuilt, built-in, constitutional
Definition: existing as an essential constituent or characteristic
Usage: the Ptolemaic system with its built-in concept of periodicity; a constitutional inability to tell the truth
Similar words: inner, internal, intimate
Definition: innermost or essential
Usage: the inner logic of Cubism; the internal contradictions of the theory; the intimate structure of matter