ethnographic
UK: ˌeθnəˈɡræfɪk | US: ˌeθnəˈɡræfɪk
adj. relating to the systematic study and description of human cultures and societies.
ethnographic = ethno<race/people> + graph<write/record> + ic<adjective suffix>
- ethno: From Greek ethnos (nation, people), referring to cultural or racial groups.
- graph: From Greek graphein (to write), denoting recording or describing.
- ic: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word ethnographic combines Greek roots to describe the scholarly practice of documenting cultures. Ethno anchors the term in the study of human groups, while graph emphasizes the act of systematic recording. The suffix -ic formalizes it as an adjective, aligning with scientific terminology. This structure reflects the Enlightenment-era blending of classical roots to create precise academic vocabulary.
The museum displayed an ethnographic collection of indigenous artifacts.
Her ethnographic research focused on tribal rituals in the Amazon.
The book provides an ethnographic analysis of urban street markets.
Ethnographic fieldwork often requires immersive cultural participation.
The documentary employed ethnographic methods to capture daily life in the village.