extrinsic

adjective

ex·trin·sic | \ek-ˈstrin-zik,

Definition of extrinsic

1a : 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

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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

Lesyk believes athletes generally have either intrinsic or extrinsic personalities. — Dennis Wagner, azcentral, "Phoenix man's questionable marathon times draw him into debate on amateur cheating," 11 May 2018 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.

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Time Traveler for extrinsic

The first known use of extrinsic was in 1613

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More Definitions for extrinsic

extrinsic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of extrinsic

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

See the full definition for extrinsic in the English Language Learners 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 sense 2