ethnicity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ethnicity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the identification of a group of people based on their shared cultural traditions and heritage, such as religion, language, and national origin. For example, "The city is extremely diverse and includes people from a variety of ethnicities, including Asian, African, and Hispanic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He found that foreign researchers cite American-based researchers of their own ethnicity 30-50% more often than you would expect if ethnic ties made no difference.

The Economist

Now the Harlow MP's mandate will reach beyond policy to inform the way Tory candidates are selected, with an emphasis on diversity of class as much as ethnicity, and the way new supporters are signed up and engaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is estimated that 70% of prisoners in France are Muslim, though no one really knows – French law forbids defining people by religion or ethnicity.

The Guardian

There is interesting follow-up work to be done here on teachers', parents' and peers' responses to poorer children achieving grades above expectations, and indeed how this plays out across gender, ethnicity and for pupils with additional needs.

The Guardian

The variation involved means that accurately predicting which voices will be best for a particular job, independent of age, gender and ethnicity, means pinpointing the right combinations of vocal features.

The Guardian

I am often asked, the question framed in terms of nation or ethnicity.

The Guardian - Books

I've seen it become more diverse over the years; people from every ethnicity and culture come here now.

The Guardian - Travel

She and Singleton's performance was scheduled months ago, but coincides with the resurgence of a long-running debate about ballet and ethnicity.

The Guardian

Known as wahaya in the local Tamasheq language, they are seen as a sign of prestige among wealthy buyers in Niger and northern Nigeria's Hausa ethnicity.

The Guardian

Ukraine's problems are compounded by the fact that many men under arms are ethnic Russians, though analysts have thus far played down the prospect of mutinies or defections, arguing that ethnicity in the Ukrainian army is not as powerful an idea as it was in the Balkans for example.

The Guardian

And what is true of gender, ethnicity and sexuality is also true of class.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "ethnicity", be specific and avoid generalizations. Instead of saying 'people of different ethnicities', specify the groups you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "ethnicity", "race", and "nationality" interchangeably. "Ethnicity" refers to cultural heritage, "race" to perceived physical differences, and "nationality" to citizenship.

Linguistic Context

The word "ethnicity" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the shared cultural characteristics of a group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable, often appearing in discussions about identity and social diversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethnicity" is a noun that refers to the shared cultural characteristics of a group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. When using "ethnicity", it's important to be specific and avoid generalizations. Be mindful of the term's connotations and avoid using it interchangeably with "race" or "nationality". This word is a key concept in fields studying cultural identity and social dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ethnic background

Focuses on the personal history and cultural environment shaped by ethnicity.

Cultural heritage

Emphasizes the inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture.

Ancestral origin

Highlights the geographical or familial roots of a person's or group's identity.

Group affiliation

Stresses the connection and belonging to a particular ethnic or cultural group.

National identity

Links identity to a nation, rather than a specific ethnic group within it.

Cultural identity

Broadens the scope to include any aspect of culture that defines a person's identity.

Racial identity

Emphasizes physical traits and socially constructed categories based on perceived differences.

Ethno-cultural group

Combines ethnic and cultural aspects into a single, descriptive term.

Community of origin

Highlights the social environment and shared experiences of an ethnic group.

Shared ancestry

Focuses specifically on common lineage and genetic heritage.

FAQs

How is "ethnicity" typically used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "ethnicity" is often used to analyze cultural identity, social structures, and group dynamics. Ensure your usage is precise and avoids stereotypes.

What is the difference between "ethnicity" and "race"?

"Ethnicity" refers to shared cultural traits and heritage, while "race" is a social construct based on perceived physical differences. They are not interchangeable.

Can you provide examples of phrases similar to "ethnicity"?

Similar phrases include "ethnic background", "cultural heritage", and "ancestral origin". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context of your writing.

Is it appropriate to ask someone about their "ethnicity"?

Asking about someone's "ethnicity" can be sensitive. It's generally more respectful to inquire about someone's "cultural background" or "heritage" in a respectful and non-intrusive manner.