Extrinsic
hardek-STRIN-zik
adjective
Definition
Not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming from outside
Examples
“Salary is an extrinsic motivator that doesn't drive long-term satisfaction.”
“The film's success depended on extrinsic factors like marketing.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Extrinsic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "external" or "exogenous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "intrinsic".
Related GRE Words
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
abstemious
Moderate in eating and drinking; self-restrained
aggrandize
To increase the power, status, or wealth of; to make appear greater
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