What does exocentric mean?
Exocentric is a grammatical adjective used for constructions whose overall meaning is not provided by a single head constituent. In an endocentric construction, one part functions as the head and determines the meaning of the whole, as in a noun phrase such as "a red house." An exocentric construction works differently: the relationship between its parts contributes to the interpretation, but the meaning of the whole is not simply reducible to a combination of the parts. Phrasal verbs such as "give up" or "take away" are frequently discussed as exocentric constructions. The term is mainly used by linguists and students of grammar, rather than in everyday speech. It is also sometimes confused with egocentric, but the words concern different ideas: egocentric refers to a self-centered viewpoint, while exocentric describes a particular kind of linguistic structure. Knowing the distinction helps explain how grammar can treat familiar phrases as relationships rather than simple combinations of their component words.
adjectiveIn linguistics, exocentric describes a construction or compound whose meaning is not determined by a single head constituent, as in an exocentric phrasal verb. It contrasts with an endocentric construction, in which one constituent functions as the head of the whole.
- Relating to or describing a linguistic construction or compound that does not have a single constituent functioning as its head.
"The phrase "give up" is often analysed as an exocentric construction because its meaning is not equivalent to the combined meanings of its individual parts."
"The linguist identified the expression as an exocentric construction rather than an endocentric compound."
"In "take away," the two words form an exocentric relationship, so the meaning of the whole cannot be predicted from the literal meanings of its parts."
Exocentric is grammar's way of saying that a phrase reaches beyond its individual words for its meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does exocentric come from?
Exocentric combines the prefix exo-, from Greek exō, meaning "outside," with -centric, associated with Latin centrum, meaning "center," which is ultimately related to Greek kentron, also meaning "center." The resulting sense is that of being directed toward something outside the construction itself rather than being organized around an internal head. Modern linguists use the term when contrasting exocentric constructions with endocentric ones.
Related word forms
How exocentric is actually used
This is chiefly a specialized term in linguistics and related fields. It is not a general synonym for unusual, unconventional, or externally oriented, and it should not be confused with egocentric.
Easily confused with exocentric
Egocentric describes a person or perspective that prioritizes the self, whereas exocentric is a grammatical term describing a construction without a clear head constituent.