French word

ethnie

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛtni/

Meaning

  • feminine nounethnic group

Example

Elle fait partie d'une ethnie.

She belongs to an ethnic group.

Illustration for ethnie (ethnic group)

More examples

Il existe plusieurs ethnies dans ce pays.

There are several ethnic groups in this country.

Core concept

A culturally distinct population connected by common traditions, language, history, and collective identity.

Common phrases

  • appartenir à une ethnie

    belong to an ethnic group

  • une ethnie minoritaire

    a minority ethnic group

  • conflit entre ethnies

    conflict between ethnic groups

Similar words

peuple: A people united by a shared history and culture and viewed as a collective.
communauté: People connected by a shared place, interest, or activity.
groupe: People gathered around a common purpose or interest.
tribu: A small group linked by kinship and longstanding customs.

Definition in French

Ensemble d'individus liés par des traits culturels, linguistiques ou historiques communs et par un sentiment d'identité collective.

Word origin

The French noun ethnie entered through German Ethnie and traces back to ancient Greek éthnos, meaning 'people', as anthropological vocabulary developed.

Usage tips

  • Ethnie describes cultural belonging rather than citizenship or a state, so it is not interchangeable with nation.

Other meanings

  • tribenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word