Words / C1

ETHN-ik/ˈeθnɪk/

Ethnic means connected with a group that shares a culture, language, or origin: ethnic communities, ethnic minority. Cultural is broader; racial refers to race categories (sensitive, often less precise for culture). Ethnicity is the noun. In speech, of a cultural or origin group is the idea. Use the word carefully and specifically. Do not use ethnic as a vague synonym for “foreign” or as a food-aisle label that others a cuisine.

Meaning

Connected with a group that shares a culture, language, or origin.

Examples

• “The city has several ethnic communities.”
• “The city has several ethnic communities, each with Saturday language schools.”
• “Ethnic monitoring in the survey was optional and explained; it was not a guess from a name.”

Good to know

Of a group sharing culture, language, or origin. Noun: ethnicity. Contrast: racial; cultural (broader). Precise and respectful; not “foreign” as a catch-all.

Near in meaning

cultural

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