The Opposite(Antonym) of “intrinsic”
The antonyms of intrinsic are extrinsic, external, and superficial. These words describe things that are not essential or inherent to something, but rather come from outside or are superficial.
Explore all Antonyms of “intrinsic”
- extrinsic
- superficial
- external
Definitions and Examples of extrinsic, external, superficial
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Not part of the essential nature of something; coming from outside.
Example
The extrinsic motivation of getting a bonus made him work harder.
external
Coming from or existing outside a person or thing; not belonging to its essential nature.
Example
The external factors such as weather and traffic affected his commute to work.
Existing or occurring at or on the surface; shallow or not profound.
Example
Her interest in fashion was only superficial and did not go beyond the latest trends.
Key Differences: extrinsic vs external vs superficial
- 1Extrinsic refers to something that is not essential or inherent to something, but comes from outside.
- 2External refers to something that exists outside a person or thing, and does not belong to its essential nature.
- 3Superficial refers to something that is shallow or not profound, and exists only at or on the surface.
Effective Usage of extrinsic, external, superficial
- 1Academic Writing: Use these antonyms to describe the nature of research or findings.
- 2Job Interviews: Incorporate these antonyms to describe your work style or motivation.
- 3Relationships: Utilize these antonyms to describe the nature of a relationship or connection.
Remember this!
The antonyms of intrinsic describe things that are not essential or inherent to something, but rather come from outside or are superficial. Use extrinsic to describe something that comes from outside, external to describe something that exists outside, and superficial to describe something that is shallow or not profound. These antonyms can be used in academic writing, job interviews, and relationships to describe the nature of research, work style, or connection.
