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

• external
• irrelevant
• adventitious
• extraneous
• accidental

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

Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic? —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025

It has been observed that extrinsic rewards can override intrinsic motivations over time. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

The appeal supports the notion that an extrinsic test wouldn’t be the only way to assess the similarity between the songs. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2025

Our motivations—both intrinsic and extrinsic—propel us to acquire new skills, build meaningful relationships and progressively assert our autonomy by taking control of our actions. —Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

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

Rhymes for extrinsic

• intrinsic

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)