Definition

Something that is not essential or relevant to the subject being discussed; it comes from outside and does not belong to the main topic.

Example

The report included extraneous details that distracted from the main argument.

Conversation

I think we should remove all the extraneous details from the presentation.

I agree, it will make it clearer and more focused.

Yeah, nobody wants to hear extraneous information that doesn't really matter.

Exactly! Let's stick to the main points.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extraneous → It is formed from "extra-" (meaning outside) and "aneus" (from Latin, meaning pertaining to). The word "extraneous" refers to something that is outside or not essential to the matter at hand.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'outside' ('extra-') and 'pertaining to' ('aneus') — that's why extraneous means something that is not essential or relevant.

Visually Confused Words