extrinsic

extrinsic

ADJECTIVE
not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming or operating from outside: "extrinsic factors that might affect time budgets";·;"the idea that power is extrinsic to production and profits"
Similar:
external
extraneous
exterior

(of a muscle, such as any of the eye muscles) having its origin some distance from the part that it moves.

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extrinsic
adjective
Synonyms 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
 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
Herzberg made the key distinction between extrinsic (to the job itself) factors, which only reduce dissatisfaction, and intrinsic ones that ultimately create positive satisfaction and motivation.
—John Rau, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
Beginning to think maybe autoimmunity is not something intrinsic — something wrong with an individual’s body — but there’s an extrinsic force acting on it.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 23 Oct. 2023
There are actually two kinds of tooth stains: surface stains on the outside of the tooth (extrinsic) and staining goes into the inside of the tooth (intrinsic).
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 2 Aug. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extrinsic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History
Etymology
French & Late Latin; French extrins;que, 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of extrinsic was in 1613
See more words from the same year

Phrases Containing extrinsic
extrinsic factor

Dictionary Entries Near extrinsic
extricate

extrinsic

extrinsical
Some psychologists believe our values tend to cluster around certain poles, described as “intrinsic” and “extrinsic”. People with a strong set of intrinsic values are inclined towards empathy, intimacy and self-acceptance. They tend to be open to challenge and change, interested in universal rights and equality, and protective of other people and the living world.

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ex­t­rin­sisch

Bedeutungen (2)
von aussen her [angeregt], nicht aus eigenem innerem Antrieb erfolgend
BEISPIEL
extrinsische Motivation (durch aeussere Zwaenge, z. B. Strafen, bewirkte Motivation)
ausserhalb liegend, von aussen kommend