a person who is a member of an ethnic group
"The community center organized a cultural festival where every ethnic resident could share their traditional music and dance."
An ethnic person, especially a foreigner or member of an immigrant community.
"The new tenant was introduced to the neighbors as an ethnic from Vietnam who had just moved his family into the apartment above us."
In plain English: An ethnic group is a community of people who share a common culture, history, and traditions.
"The local community center organizes events that celebrate every ethnic group in the city."
Usage: Avoid using "ethnic" as a standalone noun to refer to people, as it is often considered derogatory or dehumanizing in modern usage. Instead, use the adjective form before a specific noun, such as "ethnic minority," to describe someone's background respectfully.
not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam
"The committee ruled that the proposed ceremony was ethnic rather than religious because it did not acknowledge the God central to Christianity, Judaism, or Islam."
Of or relating to a group of people having common racial, ancestral, national, religious or cultural origins.
"The museum's new exhibit focuses on the rich history and traditions of various ethnic communities from around the world."
In plain English: Ethnic describes something related to a specific group of people who share common cultural traditions, ancestry, or history.
"The cultural festival celebrated the traditions of various ethnic groups in the city."
Usage: Use "ethnic" as an adjective to describe characteristics, groups, or traditions that are specific to a particular race, culture, or heritage, such as ethnic food or an ethnic neighborhood. Avoid using it to refer to someone's entire identity in isolation, as the term specifically highlights shared origins rather than individual traits.
The word entered English via Middle English and Latin as ethnik, originally meaning "pagan" or "heathen." Its roots lie in Ancient Greek, where it described something belonging to a nation before shifting to refer specifically to people of that nation.