Synonyms: extrinsic
Definition: not forming an essential part of a thing or arising or originating from the outside
Usage: extrinsic evidence; an extrinsic feature of the new building; that style is something extrinsic to the subject; looking for extrinsic aid
Similar words: adventitious
Definition: associated by chance and not an integral part
Usage: poetry is something to which words are the accidental, not by any means the essential form- Frederick W. Robertson; they had to decide whether his misconduct was adventitious or the result of a flaw in his character
Similar words: adscititious
Definition: added or derived from something outside; not inherent
Usage: an adscititious habit rather than an inherent taste
Definition: not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something
Usage: an economic theory alien to the spirit of capitalism; the mysticism so foreign to the French mind and temper; jealousy is foreign to her nature
Similar words: external, extraneous, outside
Definition: coming from the outside
Usage: extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photograph; relying upon an extraneous income; disdaining outside pressure groups
Similar words: extraneous
Definition: not essential
Usage: the ballet struck me as extraneous and somewhat out of keeping with the rest of the play