WordGarden.ioethnic
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɛθnɪk/
US
- /ˈɛθnɪk/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to a group with shared ancestry, culture, language, or traditions
characteristic of a particular cultural or ancestral group
Noun
a person identified as belonging to an ethnic minority or ethnic group, often as an othering label
Beyond the definition
The word "ethnic" describes things related to a particular group of people, often connected by shared culture, ancestry, language, and traditions. It is about where people come from and the customs they carry with them. Think of it like this: your favorite family recipes, the music you grew up listening to, and the stories your grandparents told can all be part of your ethnic background.
It is important to remember that "ethnic" is not a synonym for "foreign." Everyone has an ethnicity. It is not simply about being different from the mainstream; it is about recognizing the variety of backgrounds within a society. You might read about ethnic communities, traditions, or music linked to a certain cultural group. In some contexts, the word can sound vague, so a more specific word is sometimes better.
"Ethnic" refers to characteristics associated with a particular group of people, usually connected by shared ancestry, culture, language, history, and traditions. It includes the customs, beliefs, and ways of life that can connect people across generations. Imagine a woven tapestry made from many threads: each thread represents a different group, adding its own color and pattern to the whole.
The term appears in many contexts. You might talk about "ethnic identity" when discussing a person's cultural roots, or "ethnic diversity" when describing a community made up of people from different backgrounds. "Ethnic studies" is an academic field that explores the histories, cultures, and experiences of different groups. You may also see the word used for food, art, music, clothing, or traditions linked to a particular heritage.
Historically, "ethnic" was sometimes used to separate minority groups from a dominant culture. That is why the word can feel sensitive in some situations. Still, it is important to remember that everyone has an ethnicity. The idea is not to label people as "other," but to recognize the heritage and background that help shape identity.
It is also important to be careful with how you use the word. In some cases, a more specific term such as "cultural," "national," or the name of the group itself will sound clearer and more respectful. When used well, "ethnic" helps describe the rich variety of human backgrounds and traditions.
Examples
- 1
School diversity
Our school has students from many ethnic backgrounds.
- 2
Museum exhibit
The museum has an exhibit about the area's ethnic groups.
- 3
Personal identity
She has always been proud of her ethnic identity.
- 4
Minority communities
Students from ethnic minority communities asked for more support.
- Phraseethnic minority
a smaller ethnic group within a country or community
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Peace talks
The peace talks focused on reducing ethnic tension in the region.
- Phraseethnic tension
conflict between groups with different ethnic identities
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ethnicnounadjective
Forms
- ethnicspluralnounadjective