External vs. Extrinsic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
External refers to something situated on the outside or affecting the outer part, while extrinsic implies not being a natural or inherent part of something.
Difference Between External and Extrinsic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
External typically describes something that is located on the outside or relating to the exterior of an object or entity. For example, external features of a building are its façade and external walls. On the other hand, extrinsic refers to elements that are not inherently part of something but rather come from outside and can influence or affect it. This is often used in contexts like extrinsic motivation, which derives from external rewards.
External attributes can be observed physically and are often tangible, such as external decorations on a house or external symptoms of a disease. Whereas, extrinsic attributes might not be physically observable and often relate to abstract qualities or influences, like extrinsic factors affecting a business’s performance.
External factors are typically considered when analyzing interactions with the environment, such as external market forces affecting a business. In contrast, extrinsic factors are considered in scenarios where the influence does not originate from the core nature of the entity involved, such as extrinsic values imposed by cultural influences.
In biology, external anatomy refers to parts of the body visible on the outside, like skin and limbs. Meanwhile, extrinsic can describe factors or elements that influence an organism from the outside, like extrinsic allergens.
External validation involves approval from others or societal standards, focusing on outward acceptance. Conversely, extrinsic motivation relies on rewards or incentives that are separate from the actual task or activity, emphasizing benefits received from external sources.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Situated on the outside.
Not inherent, coming from outside.
Usage in Context
External symptoms of an illness.
Extrinsic motivation in learning.
Relation
Pertains to the outer part.
Pertains to external influence.
Observability
Often tangible and visible.
May be abstract or intangible.
Examples
External doors of a house.
Extrinsic rewards in a job.
Compare with Definitions
External
Originating from outside a system.
External pressures can impact decision-making processes.
Extrinsic
Not part of the essential nature of someone or something.
Extrinsic factors often influence one's choices.
External
Pertaining to the outside or outer part.
The external walls of the building need repainting.
Extrinsic
External to the main issue.
They considered some extrinsic issues during the debate.
External
Relating to exterior surfaces.
External treatments are necessary for wood preservation.
Extrinsic
Motivated by external factors.
His interest in the project was purely extrinsic.
External
Involving external affairs or entities.
The company is focusing on expanding its external markets.
Extrinsic
Arising from external sources.
She responded well to the extrinsic incentives provided.
External
Meant for outward appearance or use.
He bought some external lights for the garden.
Extrinsic
Coming from the outside.
Extrinsic evidence was used in the court case.
External
Relating to, existing on, or connected with the outside or an outer part; exterior.
Extrinsic
Not forming an essential or inherent part of a thing; extraneous.
External
Suitable for application to the outside
External paints.
Extrinsic
Originating from the outside; external.
External
Existing independently of the mind.
Extrinsic
External; separable from the thing itself; inessential
External
Acting or coming from the outside
External pressures.
Extrinsic
Not belonging to something; outside
External
Of or relating chiefly to outward appearance; superficial
"An internal sense of righteousness dwindles into an external concern for reputation" (A.R. Gurney, Jr.).
Extrinsic
An external factor
External
Of or relating to foreign affairs or foreign countries
The country's minister of external affairs.
Extrinsic
Not contained in or belonging to a body; external; outward; unessential; - opposed to intrinsic.
The extrinsic aids of education and of artificial culture.
External
An exterior part or surface.
Extrinsic
Attached partly to an organ or limb and partly to some other part; - said of certain groups of muscles. Opposed to intrinsic.
External
Outer circumstances.
Extrinsic
Not forming an essential part of a thing or arising or originating from the outside;
Extrinsic evidence
An extrinsic feature of the new building
That style is something extrinsic to the subject
Looking for extrinsic aid
External
Outward appearances
Was charming as far as the externals went.
External
Outside of something; on the exterior.
This building has some external pipework.
External
(anatomy) Situated near or toward the surface of the body.
External
Relating to or denoting a medicine or similar substance for use on the outside of the body.
External
Capable of being perceived outwardly.
External
Having merely the outward appearance of something.
External
Not intrinsic or essential.
External
Provided by something or someone outside of the entity (object, group, company etc.) considered.
External authority, external force
External
Relating to or connected with foreign nations or institutions.
External trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom
External
Having existence independent of the mind.
External reality
External
(education) For or concerning students registered with and taking the examinations of a university but not resident there.
External degrees
External
Not contained in the main computer.
External
Using a disk or tape drive rather than the main memory.
External
The exterior; outward features or appearances.
External
Inessential or superficial features.
External
Outward appearance.
External
A variable that is defined in the source code but whose value comes from some external source.
External
Outward; exterior; relating to the outside, as of a body; being without; acting from without; - opposed to internal; as, the external form or surface of a body.
Of all external things, . . . She [Fancy] forms imaginations, aery shapes.
External
Outside of or separate from ourselves; (Metaph.) separate from the perceiving mind.
External
Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal, as distinguished from mental or moral.
Her virtues graced with external gifts.
External
Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial.
The external circumstances are greatly different.
External
Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations; as, external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom.
External
Away from the mesial plane of the body; lateral.
External
Something external or without; outward part; that which makes a show, rather than that which is intrinsic; visible form; - usually in the plural.
Adam was then no less glorious in his externals
God in externals could not place content.
External
Outward features;
He enjoyed the solemn externals of religion
External
Happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface;
The external auditory canal
External pressures
External
Coming from the outside;
Extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photograph
Relying upon an extraneous income
Disdaining outside pressure groups
External
From or between other countries;
External commerce
International trade
Developing nations need outside help
External
Purely outward or superficial;
External composure
An external concern for reputation
Common Curiosities
Can something be both external and extrinsic?
Yes, certain factors can be both external and extrinsic if they are outside of the main system and not inherently part of it, such as external consultants influencing business strategies.
How do external and extrinsic factors influence education?
External factors in education might include societal expectations and resources available, while extrinsic factors could include rewards like grades and praise that motivate students.
What does external mean in a business context?
External in a business context refers to factors or influences that come from outside the company, such as market trends or economic conditions.
What are examples of external factors in health?
External factors in health include environmental conditions like pollution and climate, which can affect an individual’s health.
What distinguishes extrinsic values from intrinsic values?
Extrinsic values are based on external approval or rewards, while intrinsic values are inherent and valued for their own sake.
How do external conditions impact sports performance?
External conditions such as weather and crowd support can significantly impact an athlete’s performance.
How is extrinsic motivation different from intrinsic motivation?
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or incentives, whereas intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual, such as personal satisfaction.
What is the role of external factors in psychology?
In psychology, external factors are considered important in understanding behavioral responses to environmental stimuli.
Can external tools improve productivity?
Yes, external tools like software and apps can enhance productivity by streamlining processes and facilitating tasks.
How are external threats managed in security?
External threats are managed through various security measures, such as surveillance and cybersecurity protocols.
What role do extrinsic factors play in economic theories?
Extrinsic factors are often analyzed in economic theories to understand their impact on consumer behavior and market dynamics.
Are extrinsic rewards effective in long-term motivation?
While extrinsic rewards can be effective initially, they may not sustain long-term motivation as effectively as intrinsic motivators.
How can external feedback be beneficial in a workplace?
External feedback can provide new perspectives and help individuals and organizations grow and improve.
What is the difference between external and extrinsic pressures in decision-making?
External pressures refer to influences from the broader environment, whereas extrinsic pressures might come from specific external rewards or punishments affecting choices.
What is the impact of extrinsic stressors on mental health?
Extrinsic stressors, such as work pressure or family demands, can lead to stress and affect mental health.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
