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

And that is not something extrinsic, imposed by regulation or taxation, but inherent to the way the company conceives of itself, its ownership structure, its governance, its performance metrics, its finances — everything. —Iese Business School, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Those sensors detect the subtle vibrations that are transmitted to the extrinsic laryngeal muscles (in the neck) from other anatomical locations including the velum, oropharynx, tongue, and epiglottis. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025

Warner really was an underdog: he was cut by the Green Bay Packers, and then stocked shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store, before taking a circuitous route back to the N.F.L. Warner pointed to the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2025

Initially, all participants enter for financial gain—a classic example of extrinsic motivation. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Jan. 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)