Exocentric vs. Endocentric: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Exocentric is a compound or phrase where the head is not explicit. Endocentric is a compound or phrase with a clear head that determines its category.
Key Differences
Exocentric constructions lack a clear head word that dictates the grammatical category of the entire construction. Conversely, in endocentric constructions, the head word is present and defines the grammatical and semantic category of the phrase.
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Dec 04, 2023
In exocentric compounds, like "pickpocket," the whole does not belong to the same category as any of its parts. In contrast, endocentric compounds, such as "bluebird," are categorized based on their head, in this case, a bird.
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Dec 04, 2023
Exocentric phrases are unique as they don’t fit neatly into traditional phrase structure rules; their category isn’t defined by any specific word in the phrase. Endocentric phrases follow standard rules, where one word (the head) determines the phrase’s category.
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Dec 04, 2023
Exocentric constructions exhibit syntactic behavior that doesn’t align with their components. Endocentric constructions behave predictably, according to the category of their head.
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Dec 04, 2023
From a functional viewpoint, exocentric constructions often serve unique or idiomatic purposes in language, whereas endocentric constructions play more predictable and straightforward roles in sentence structure.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Head Presence
No explicit head; the compound or phrase doesn’t belong to the same category as any part
Has a clear head word that defines the category of the whole
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Example Type
"Pickpocket" (neither "pick" nor "pocket")
"Bluebird" (a type of bird)
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Phrase Structure
Defies traditional phrase structure rules
Conforms to standard phrase structure with a dominant head
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Syntactic Role
Often idiomatic or unique in use
Predictable and straightforward in sentence structure
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Functional Use
Serves specific, sometimes idiomatic purposes
Plays a standard role in grammatical construction
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Exocentric and Endocentric Definitions
Exocentric
A construction where the whole is not of the same category as any of its parts.
In scapegoat, neither scape nor goat individually convey the meaning of the entire word.
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Dec 04, 2023
Endocentric
A compound or phrase where the head word determines the category.
In blackboard, the word is categorized as a type of board.
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Exocentric
A compound word with no explicit head.
Turncoat doesn't directly relate to either turning or coats in its meaning.
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Endocentric
Phrases that conform to standard grammatical rules.
Running water is clearly about water that is running.
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Exocentric
Linguistic structures that are idiomatic or figurative.
Red-handed in caught red-handed doesn’t literally mean hands painted red.
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Endocentric
Linguistic structures where the head is syntactically dominant.
Tall building is understood as a building that is tall.
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Exocentric
A phrase whose syntactic role is not determined by a head.
None the wiser functions as a whole unit without a clear head word.
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Endocentric
Constructions where one element dominates the whole.
Houseboat is primarily a type of boat.
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Exocentric
Constructions that deviate from traditional grammar rules.
Passerby combines elements without a clear grammatical head.
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Endocentric
Of or relating to a group of syntactically related words, at least one of which is functionally equivalent to the function of the whole group. For example, the noun table in the noun phrase the old table is endocentric because it has the same grammatical function as the whole noun phrase.
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Oct 19, 2023
Exocentric
Of or relating to a group of syntactically related words, none of which is functionally equivalent to the function of the whole group. For example, none of the words in the phrase on the table is an adverb, yet they combine to form a phrase having adverbial function.
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Oct 19, 2023
Endocentric
Of or relating to a compound word whose referent is the same as the referent of one of its constituent parts. For example, the noun blackboard is endocentric in that it refers to a type of board.
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Oct 19, 2023
Exocentric
Of or relating to a compound word whose referent is not the same as the referents of any of its constituent parts. For example, the noun razorback does not refer to a type of back, but to a type of hog (one having a sharply ridged back).
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Endocentric
Focused or centered within itself, and not on something external.
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Endocentric
Fulfilling the same grammatical role as one of its constituents.
The noun "houseboat" is endocentric because "boat" is also a noun.
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Oct 19, 2023
Exocentric
Not having the same part of speech as any of its constituent words.
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Exocentric
Not having the same semantic referent as the semantic referent of any of its constituent parts.example=bats in the belfry
scarecrow
scarecrow
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Endocentric
Fulfilling the grammatical role of one of its constituents;
When `three blind mice' serves as a noun it is an endocentric construction
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Endocentric
Constructions with predictable syntactic behavior.
Greenhouse is easily categorized as a type of house.
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Exocentric
Not fulfilling the same grammatical role of any of its constituents;
When `until last Easter' serves as an adverb it is an exocentric construction
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the key characteristic of an endocentric compound?
Its head word clearly determines its category.
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Are exocentric compounds common in English?
Yes, they are fairly common and often idiomatic.
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What defines an exocentric compound?
Exocentric compounds lack a clear head, making their category distinct from their parts.
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How do exocentric phrases function syntactically?
They often function idiomatically or uniquely, not aligning with traditional syntax.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can exocentric compounds be non-compounds?
Yes, they can also be phrases without a clear grammatical head.
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Dec 04, 2023
How are exocentric constructions functionally used?
They often serve unique or specific purposes in language.
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Dec 04, 2023
Do endocentric compounds have idiomatic meanings?
Generally, they have more literal meanings.
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Dec 04, 2023
Do endocentric structures follow standard grammar rules?
Yes, they adhere to conventional grammatical structures.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can you give an example of an endocentric phrase?
"Running water" is endocentric, with "water" as the head.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is it easier to identify the head in endocentric constructions?
Yes, the head is usually syntactically and semantically clear.
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Dec 04, 2023
How does context affect understanding exocentric phrases?
Context can be crucial for interpreting their idiomatic meanings.
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Do exocentric constructions defy phrase structure rules?
Often, as they don't fit neatly into traditional categories.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are endocentric phrases easy to analyze grammatically?
Yes, due to their conformity to standard rules.
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Can exocentric phrases be literal in meaning?
Often, they are figurative or idiomatic.
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Can endocentric structures be ambiguous?
Less likely, as the head word provides clear direction.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can exocentric constructions be part of regular speech?
Yes, they are commonly used in everyday language.
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Are there exceptions to these definitions in linguistics?
Yes, linguistic analysis often reveals exceptions and nuances.
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Dec 04, 2023
Do exocentric and endocentric terms apply to all languages?
These concepts are relevant in many, but not all, languages.
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Are endocentric phrases predictable in use?
Yes, their function and category are usually straightforward.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is "bluebird" an example of an endocentric compound?
Yes, it's a bird (head) that is blue.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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