extrinsic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"For years, scientists have pursued the answer to a fundamental question about the carrier origin in this exotic insulator: Is it from the bulk or the surface, intrinsic or extrinsic?" said Chen.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 2025

I couldn’t relate to whatever it was that pulled people back into the gloomy casinos over and over again, or what compelled them to place bets on games of little extrinsic consequence.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2024

They may simply be motivated to make you stop pestering them — in other words, their motivation is extrinsic, which tends not to last.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2024

An extrinsic orientation means doing things in the hope or expectation of other rewards, such as status, money and recognition.

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2023

Of what consequence is it, practically, whether the right of the State to go out be found in any part of the compact called the Constitution, or be derived from a source extrinsic of it?

From Trial of the Officers and Crew of the Privateer Savannah, on the Charge of Piracy, in the United States Circuit Court for the Southern District of New York by Warburton, A. F.