extrinsic

adjective

ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik  -ˈstrin(t)-sik 

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

extrinsically

ek-ˈstrin-zi-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈstrin(t)-si-

adverb

Synonyms

• accidental
• adventitious
• alien
• extraneous
• external
• foreign
• supervenient

Choose the Right Synonym for extrinsic

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

Examples of extrinsic in a Sentence

You have to consider any extrinsic factors in the success of the business.

the fact that the ring belonged to your grandmother is extrinsic to its value to a jeweler

Recent Examples on the Web

Even so, Saville told me that such benchmarks are extrinsic to her artistic process. —Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 24 July 2023

This process is both intrinsic, when your own body causes new problems, and extrinsic, when environmental insults damage your tissues. —Ellen Quarles, Fortune Well, 7 July 2023

Intergenerational collaboration, like other forms of diversity, has intrinsic and extrinsic value. —Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2023

And there’s extrinsic pressure to keep pushing computing forward: not just for bragging rights, although those are cool, but because better simulations could lead to new drug discoveries, new advanced materials or new Nobel Prizes that keep the country on top. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2023

Feel free to include some research on a growth mindset, which leaves room for making mistakes and learning from them, as well as studies on the positive outcomes associated with intrinsic motivation (meaning, an inner desire to learn) over extrinsic motivation (grades, parental approval). —Lori Gottlieb, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2020

Leaders must appreciate the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits to be motivated to develop a KPB and convert it into a habit. —Bill Howatt, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023

Individuals can also work on actualization such as practicing getting through real-life challenges in the virtual world, building skills, and intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to increase self-efficacy. —Colleen Reilly, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2022

But not all types of motivation are equivalent: intrinsic motivation is, in many contexts, more durable than extrinsic motivation. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 June 2022

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Word History

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

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing extrinsic

• extrinsic factor

• extrinsic factor

Kids Definition

extrinsic

adjective

ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik  -ˈstrin(t)-sik 

: not being part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous

extrinsically

-zi-k(ə-)lē 

-si-

adverb

Medical Definition

extrinsic

adjective

ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik  -ˈstrin(t)-sik 

1

: originating or due to causes or factors from or on the outside of a body, organ, or part

renal tumors or cysts … causing extrinsic compression of the renal vasculature

—Scientific American Medicine

2

: originating outside a part and acting on the part as a whole

—used especially of certain muscles

the extrinsic muscles of the tongue

compare intrinsic sense 2

extrinsically

-zi-k(ə-)lē, -si- 

adverb

Legal Definition

extrinsic

adjective

ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik, -sik 

: not contained in or occurring in something (as a contract)