extrinsic

adjective

ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik How to pronounce extrinsic (audio) -ˈstrin(t)-sik How to pronounce extrinsic (audio)
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
extrinsically
ek-ˈstrin-zi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce extrinsic (audio)
-ˈstrin(t)-si-
adverb
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But here's the brutal truth: External rewards—extrinsic motivators—rarely sustain us in the long run. Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 On the other hand, extrinsic goals are those that are imposed from outside of you or are influenced by culture. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 The factors that trigger enamel loss can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024 The game itself didn’t bare much extrinsic weight, similar to Povich’s home debut at Camden Yards. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for extrinsic 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of extrinsic was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near extrinsic

Cite this Entry

“Extrinsic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extrinsic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

extrinsic

adjective
ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik How to pronounce extrinsic (audio) -ˈstrin(t)-sik How to pronounce extrinsic (audio)
: not being part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous
extrinsically adverb

Medical Definition

extrinsic

adjective
ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik How to pronounce extrinsic (audio) -ˈstrin(t)-sik How to pronounce extrinsic (audio)
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 vasculatureScientific 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 adverb

Legal Definition

extrinsic

adjective
ex·​trin·​sic ek-ˈstrin-zik, -sik How to pronounce extrinsic (audio)
: not contained in or occurring in something (as a contract)

More from Merriam-Webster on extrinsic

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