extrinsic
ek-STRIN-zik
/ekˈstrɪn.zɪk/
Not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming or operating from the outside.
Highlights that motivation or quality relies on external factors such as money, grades, or social praise.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'extra' (outside) and 'secus' (along/following), 'extrinsecus' entered English in the 16th century to describe things that came from beyond the boundaries of an entity's natural makeup.
Word relationships
- external: External refers physically or broadly to the outside, while extrinsic specifically contrasts essential inner nature.
- adventitious: Adventitious implies coming from outside by chance or accident.
- intrinsic: Intrinsic means belonging naturally to the core essence.
- inherent: Inherent means permanently existing within something.
Commonly confused with
- external: External is a general term for outside location; extrinsic specifically denotes non-essential outer influences.
Word family
- extrinsically (adverb): In an external or non-essential manner.
Collocations
- extrinsic reward
- extrinsic motivation
- extrinsic factors
Example sentences
- "While extrinsic rewards like bonuses boost productivity temporarily, they rarely sustain long-term creativity." Behavioral psychology
- "Students driven solely by extrinsic motivators tend to retain less information after exam day." Educational research
Memory hook
EXTRINSIC = EXTRA stuff coming from the OUTSIDE. External rewards.
When not to use
Do not use for traits that are inborn or core to identity.
Fun facts
- The 'overjustification effect' in psychology shows that adding extrinsic rewards can actually decrease existing intrinsic motivation.
Explore more words
incentive, essence, deprived, extracurricular, supplement, extravagance
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