intrinsic
in-TRIN-zikadjMeaning belonging to the basic nature of a thing; coming from within
Memory hook IN-trinsic: the joy comes from INSIDE. Zoe paints all afternoon with no prize and no audience, just for the happiness it gives her: her reason is intrinsic.
Zoe practices piano for the intrinsic joy of making music.
In context The old coin has little intrinsic value, since its metal is cheap, but collectors pay hundreds of dollars for it because it is so rare.
Similar inherent, essential, built-in, basic
Opposite extrinsic, external
From Latin intrinsecus, “on the inside.”