Main Entry:

ex·trin·sic

Pronunciation:

\ek-ˈstrin-zik, -ˈstrin(t)-sik\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

French & Late Latin; French extrinsèque, from Late Latin extrinsecus, from Latin, adverb, from without; akin to Latin exter outward and to Latin sequi to follow — more at exterior, sue

Date:

1613

1 a: not forming part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous b: originating from or on the outside ; especially : originating outside a part and acting upon the part as a whole <extrinsic muscles of the tongue>2: external

— ex·trin·si·cal·ly \-zi-k(ə-)lē, -si-\ adverb

synonyms extrinsic, extraneous, foreign, alien mean external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character. extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature <sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value>. extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part <arguments extraneous to the issue>. foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated <techniques foreign to French cuisine>. alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability <a practice totally alien to her nature>.