extrinsic

adjective ex·trin·sic \ ek-ˈstrin-zik , -ˈstrin(t)-sik \

Updated on: 15 Mar 2018

Definition of extrinsic

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

play \ek-ˈstrin-zi-k(ə-)lē, -ˈstrin(t)-si-\ adverb

See extrinsic defined for English-language learners

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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 of extrinsic from the Web

In a child’s formative years, the intrinsic benefits of sport far outweigh the extrinsic rewards—the trophies and medals and records.

— isabel fattal, The Atlantic, "How to Parent an Olympic Athlete," 8 Feb. 2018
All of these foods or drinks cause or contribute to extrinsic stains.

— kristi kellogg, GQ, "How To Whiten Teeth Fast: 15 Bright Methods," 15 Oct. 2017
In college, many of those extrinsic factors and accountability measures go away.

— valerie strauss, Washington Post, "Getting into college was the easy part. Staying there is becoming harder than ever, experts say.," 14 Aug. 2017
Surface stains, also known as extrinsic stains, come from the usual suspects: coffee, red wine, tobacco, and dark colored foods.

— alexandra tunell, Harper's BAZAAR, "Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe to Use?," 9 Aug. 2017
A willingness to learn for its own sake represents intrinsic motivation, while grades and other accolades represent extrinsic.

— ashley lamb-sinclair, The Atlantic, "Why Grades Are Not Paramount to Achievement," 16 June 2017
Gamification replaces these motivators with extrinsic motivators like points and badges.

— klint finley, WIRED, "How ‘Gamification’ Can Make Your Customer Service Worse," 14 Nov. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extrinsic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of extrinsic

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1613

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

extrinsic Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

EXTRINSIC Defined for English Language Learners

extrinsic

adjective

Definition of extrinsic for English Language Learners

: not part of something : coming from the outside of something

Medical Dictionary

extrinsic

adjective ex·trin·sic \ ek-ˈstrin-zik , -ˈstrin(t)-sik \

medical Definition of extrinsic

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 2

—

extrinsically

play \-zi-k(ə-)lē, -si-\ adverb

Law Dictionary

extrinsic

adjective ex·trin·sic \ ek-ˈstrin-zik, -sik \

legal Definition of extrinsic

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

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for extrinsic Nglish: Translation of extrinsic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of extrinsic for Arabic speakers

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extrinsic

Definition of extrinsic

extrinsically

Examples of extrinsic in a Sentence

Recent Examples of extrinsic from the Web

Origin and Etymology of extrinsic

extrinsic Synonyms

Synonyms

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Synonym Discussion of extrinsic

EXTRINSIC Defined for English Language Learners

extrinsic

Definition of extrinsic for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

extrinsic

medical Definition of extrinsic

extrinsically

Law Dictionary

extrinsic

legal Definition of extrinsic

Learn More about extrinsic

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