Words / A2

nash-uh-NAL-uh-tee/ˌnæʃəˈnæləti/

Nationality is the legal status of belonging to a country: British nationality, dual nationality, What is your nationality? Nation is the country itself; nationality is your official belonging. Passport shows nationality, but a passport is the document. Do not write nationality when you mean nation, or national (adjective).

Meaning

The legal status of belonging to a particular country.

Examples

• “What is your nationality — British or Irish?”
• “Please write your nationality on the form.”
• “She has Irish nationality but lives in Cardiff.”

Good to know

British nationality / What is your nationality? Contrast: nation (the country). Mix-up: national.

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