I think that "intrinsic" and "inherent" mean just about the same thing. I think I had the same question when I was in high school... If you look up "inherent" or "intrinsic" using thefreedictionary.com (which uses the American Heritage Dictionary as a source), you'll actually find in each one that the other is used in the definition. intrinsic 1. Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent. inherent 1. Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic; intrinsic: So really, I think it's up to you which one you use based on which one sounds better in the sentence you're making! Hope that helps.

Origin of INTRINSIC French intrinsèque internal, from Late Latin intrinsecus, from Latin, adverb, inwardly; akin to Latin intra within — more at intra- First Known Use: 1635 Origin of INHERENT Latin inhaerent-, inhaerens, present participle of inhaerēre (see inhere) First Known Use: 1581 Origin of INHERE Middle English enheren to be a companion, belong, from Latin inhaerēre to be attached, from in- + haerēre to adhere First Known Use: 15th century Inherent : belonging to the basic nature of someone or something.(companion-like) intrinsic :belonging to the essential nature of a thing : occurring as a natural part of something (from within) Difference is that intrinsic is something from within, while inherent is friend-like.

thank you guys!

INHERENT is objective. Intrinsic is subjective. Inherent is always. Intrinsic is varied.

I think they are mostly interchangeable but the register might be slightly different. I think "intrinsic" is a little bit more formal and used more in upper level academic settings. I wouldn't worry about the nuance, though. Once again, this is my opinion and based on American English.