extrinsically

IPA/ekˈstrɪn.zɪ.kəl.i/
IPA/ekˈstrɪn.zɪ.kəl.i/

extrinsically — adverb

1. through the influence of outside factors or circumstances rather than as part of

1.adverbC1
Definition

through the influence of outside factors or circumstances rather than as part of something's essential nature or identity.

Example

Hiro's success came extrinsically from strong market conditions, not from his own strategy.

extrinsically + from [external source]

The critic argued that the film's popularity was extrinsically driven by its huge advertising budget.

passive: be extrinsically + past participle

Common collocations
  • extrinsically motivated
  • extrinsically driven
  • extrinsically determined
  • extrinsically shaped
Synonyms
  • externally

    more general and widely used; extrinsically is more technical and academic

  • from the outside

    colloquial alternative that explains the same concept in plainer language

Antonyms
  • intrinsically

    direct antonym; refers to qualities coming from within rather than from outside

Grammar Patterns

extrinsically + past participle

extrinsically + adjective

Usage Note

Frequently paired with past participles such as motivated, driven, determined, or shaped. Common in academic and formal writing, especially in philosophy, psychology, and sociology, where it contrasts with intrinsically.

Common Mistakes

I extrinsically went to the store.
My decision to go to the store was extrinsically motivated by the sale.
extrinsically describes the source of a cause or influence, not the manner of an action.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Extrinsically, externally, outwardly, and from the outside all describe something originating beyond the subject, but they differ in scope and register. Externally is the broadest term, used in everyday speech and technical writing alike (e.g., 'The building was reinforced externally'). Extrinsically is narrower and more academic — it often appears in philosophy, psychology, and sociology when distinguishing external causes from inherent qualities (e.g., 'extrinsically motivated behaviour'). Outwardly focuses on visible appearance rather than actual cause, carrying a connotation of surface-level display (e.g., 'Outwardly calm, she was trembling inside'). From the outside is the plainest, most conversational option and works in any register. Choose extrinsically when you need to emphasise that the source lies outside something's essential nature, not just beyond its physical boundary.

externally ↗from the outsideoutwardly ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • extrinsically motivated
  • extrinsically driven
  • extrinsically determined
  • extrinsically shaped

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Borrowed from Late Latin extrinsecus, meaning 'from outside'. The Latin word combines exter ('outer') with secus ('alongside, otherwise'). It entered English in the mid-16th century and was originally used in philosophy and theology to describe qualities that come from outside a person or thing, as opposed to those that are innate.