Extrinsic is the opposite of the more common word intrinsic, which means inherent, essential or belonging naturally. If you say, for instance, "The British are intrinsically a conservative nation," you mean that this is their essential quality: a part of them.
The word extrinsic, which is much less used, is most often applied to someone's motivation for doing something. For instance, if I am trying to learn a new subject only because I am afraid my parents will be angry if I don't, my motivation is extrinsic because it is not part of me but comes from outside. Intrinsic motivation, by contrast, would be because I love the subject or like learning in general.
The word extrinsic, which is much less used, is most often applied to someone's motivation for doing something. For instance, if I am trying to learn a new subject only because I am afraid my parents will be angry if I don't, my motivation is extrinsic because it is not part of me but comes from outside. Intrinsic motivation, by contrast, would be because I love the subject or like learning in general.
