Word
extrinsic
Phoneticsex·trin·sic, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛkˈstɹɪnsɪk/
UK/ɛkstɹˈɪnzɪk/
Definition
adj. coming from outside something, not from inside it. You use it for causes or rewards that are separate from the thing itself, like money for work.
adj. originating outside a thing rather than from its essential nature. Often contrasted with intrinsic, which refers to what belongs naturally to something.
Examples
“She works for extrinsic rewards like pay and praise.”
“The manager uses extrinsic motivators such as bonuses to boost sales during the busy season.”
“While intrinsic curiosity sustains long-term learning, extrinsic pressures like grades and deadlines often shape how students allocate their time under stress.”
Examples
simple
“She works for extrinsic rewards like pay and praise.”
contextual
“The manager uses extrinsic motivators such as bonuses to boost sales during the busy season.”
complex
“While intrinsic curiosity sustains long-term learning, extrinsic pressures like grades and deadlines often shape how students allocate their time under stress.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “extrinsic” in context.
Verb
01. consider extrinsic
“Psychologists consider extrinsic rewards less lasting than inner satisfaction.”
verb + adj
02. extrinsic to language
“Such social pressures are extrinsic to language but shape how it evolves.”
adj + prep + noun
03. extrinsic to task
“The bonus felt extrinsic to the task itself, not part of the work.”
adj + prep + noun
04. extrinsic to text
“Historical background is often extrinsic to the text but aids interpretation.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
05. largely extrinsic
“Her motivation for running was largely extrinsic, driven by prizes and praise.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. extrinsic factor
“Salary is an extrinsic factor, separate from job satisfaction itself.”
adj + noun
07. extrinsic incentive
“An extrinsic incentive like prize money attracted more competitors.”
adj + noun
08. extrinsic motivation
“Extrinsic motivation like grades and pay can boost short-term effort.”
adj + noun
09. extrinsic reward
“An extrinsic reward such as a bonus rarely creates lasting commitment.”
adj + noun
10. extrinsic value
“Money has only extrinsic value, derived from what it can buy.”
adj + noun
11. driven by extrinsic motivation
“Many employees are driven by extrinsic motivation rather than passion for the job.”
12. extrinsic to the task itself
“The payment was extrinsic to the task itself and did not improve creativity.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often paired with or contrasted with 'intrinsic'.
Etymology
From French extrinsèque, from Latin extrinsecus (“from without, without, on the outside”), from *extrim, an assumed adverbial form of exter (“outer, outward”) + secus (“by, on the side”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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