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>.