ethnicity
UK: eθˈnɪsɪti | US: eθˈnɪsɪti
n. the fact or state of belonging to a social group that shares a common cultural or national tradition
n. (anthropology) a category of people who identify with each other based on shared language, ancestry, or cultural heritage
The word "ethnicity" derives from the Greek ethnos (nation, people), via Late Latin ethnicus (pagan or foreign). The root ethnic entered English in the 15th century, originally meaning "heathen" but later shifting to denote cultural identity. The suffix -ity (from Latin -itas) transforms adjectives into nouns indicating a state or quality. Thus, "ethnicity" emerged in the 18th century to describe collective cultural identity, reflecting Enlightenment-era interest in classifying human groups.
The city celebrates its diversity through festivals representing many ethnicities.
Ethnicity often influences traditions, food, and language within communities.
Census forms typically include questions about race and ethnicity.
Scholars debate whether ethnicity is biologically determined or socially constructed.
Her research focuses on how ethnicity shapes political alliances.