extrinsic

American  

[ik-strin-sik, -zik] / ɪkˈstrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /

Archaic, extrinsical

adjective

1. not essential or inherent; not a basic part or quality; extraneous.

   facts that are extrinsic to the matter under discussion.

   Antonyms:

   intrinsic

2. being outside a thing; outward or external; operating or coming from without.

   extrinsic influences.

3. Anatomy. (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) originating outside the anatomical limits of a part.

   Antonyms:

   intrinsic

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extrinsic British  

/ ɛkˈstrɪnsɪk /

adjective

1. not contained or included within; extraneous

2. originating or acting from outside; external

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Other Word Forms

• extrinsically adverb
• nonextrinsic adjective
• nonextrinsical adjective
• nonextrinsically adverb
• unextrinsic adjective

Etymology

Origin of extrinsic

First recorded in 1535–45; from Late Latin extrinsecus “outward,” adjective use of Latin extrinsecus (adverb) “on the outward side,” equivalent to extrim- ( ext(e)r “outer” ( exterior ) + -im adverb suffix) + secus “beside” (derivative of sequī “to follow”)

Example Sentences

"For years, scientists have pursued the answer to a fundamental question about the carrier origin in this exotic insulator: Is it from the bulk or the surface, intrinsic or extrinsic?" said Chen.

From Science Daily

He called them “extrinsic statements—many of which were made before the President took the oath of office.”

From Salon

They may simply be motivated to make you stop pestering them — in other words, their motivation is extrinsic, which tends not to last.

From Seattle Times

An extrinsic orientation means doing things in the hope or expectation of other rewards, such as status, money and recognition.

From Salon

For many musicians, the motivation to perform is intrinsic rather than extrinsic.

From Salon