EXTRANEOUS
Dictionary entry overview: What does extraneous mean?
• EXTRANEOUS (adjective)
The adjective EXTRANEOUS has 4 senses:
1. not pertinent to the matter under consideration
2. not essential
3. not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source
4. coming from the outside
Familiarity information: EXTRANEOUS used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• EXTRANEOUS (adjective)
Meaning:
Not pertinent to the matter under consideration
Synonyms:
extraneous; orthogonal; impertinent; immaterial
Context examples:
an issue extraneous to the debate / the price was immaterial / mentioned several impertinent facts before finally coming to the point
Similar:
irrelevant (having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue)
Meaning:
Not essential
Context example:
the ballet struck me as extraneous and somewhat out of keeping with the rest of the play
Similar:
extrinsic (not forming an essential part of a thing or arising or originating from the outside)
Meaning:
Not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source
Synonyms:
extraneous; foreign
Context examples:
water free of extraneous matter / foreign particles in milk
Similar:
adulterant; adulterating (making impure or corrupt by adding extraneous materials)
Meaning:
Coming from the outside
Synonyms:
external; outside; extraneous
Context examples:
extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photograph / relying upon an extraneous income / disdaining outside pressure groups
Similar:
extrinsic (not forming an essential part of a thing or arising or originating from the outside)
