adj.
Pronunciation: ek- ' strin-zik, - ' strin(t)-sik
Function: adjective
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
Date: 1613
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
– ex · trin · si · cal · ly \ -zi-k( ə -)l ē , -si- \ adverb
synonyms 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>.