EXTRINSIC


Meaning of EXTRINSIC in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ek-ˈstrin-zik, -ˈstrin(t)-sik ]

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-)lē, -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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.