External vs. Extrinsic — What's the Difference?

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.