Extrinsic
Etymology
From Late Latin “extrinsecus,” outwardly, from “exter” (outside) and “secus” (alongside) — the built-in opposite of “intrinsic.” Both words entered English as a matched pair for the inside/outside distinction.
adjective · /ek-STRIN-sik/
Coming from outside a thing rather than from its own nature; not essential to it.
What it names
Externally-sourced worth or cause — the reward, pressure, or property that is attached to a thing rather than part of it.
Example
Fear of the fine is an extrinsic reason to file on time; wanting to be honest is an intrinsic one.
Related idea
An extrinsic reward comes from outside the activity; an intrinsic one is the activity itself. The distinction matters most in motivation, where extrinsic incentives can crowd out intrinsic ones.
See also