ethnic

Everyday

1. Ethnic means to do with a group of people who share a culture, traditions, language or family history. tree →
2. Ethnic can describe food, clothes or music from a particular culture, especially one from another country. tree →

In the lessons

In social studies: ethnic groups, ethnic minorities, a country with many ethnic groups. In everyday life: ethnic food and festivals. Phrases: ethnic group, ethnic minority, ethnic background, ethnic food.

Examples

• Our city has people from many ethnic groups. tree →
• She wore traditional ethnic clothes at the festival. tree →
• The market sells ethnic foods from around the world. tree →
• We learned about the different ethnic groups in Canada. tree →
• Everyone should be treated fairly whatever their ethnic background. tree →
• The town holds a festival of ethnic music. tree →

Note

Adjective only in careful use; do not call a person "an ethnic" — that is rude. Noun: ethnicity. Saying "ethnic food" can sound odd, because everyone's food belongs to some culture; many people prefer to name it, like "Thai food".