1. existing or occurring outside the text itself; not contained within or derived from the written work
Usage: literary criticism and textual analysis; formal

Examples

• The author's biography is extratextual information that can influence how readers interpret the novel.
• Critics debated whether extratextual knowledge of the historical period was necessary to understand the poem.
• The film adaptation introduced extratextual elements not present in the original book.
• Some scholars argue that extratextual context should not affect literary interpretation.
• The director's interviews provided extratextual commentary on the film's themes.
• Extratextual references to current events made the play feel more relevant to modern audiences.