English Reference
Compound

ethnic group

compound.
B1 Intermediate

compound.a group of people who share the same culture, language, or history.

compound.a category of people who identify with each other based on shared attributes that distinguish them from other groups, such as a common set of traditions, ancestry, language, or social treatment.


SIMPLE

The city is home to many different ethnic groups.

CONTEXTUAL

Researchers studied how different ethnic groups in the region maintained their traditional cooking styles over several generations.

COMPLEX

The census provides vital data on the socio-economic status of various ethnic groups, helping the government allocate resources to underserved communities.

Usage

countable noun; often used in sociological, political, or demographic contexts.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'race', which often focuses on physical traits, whereas 'ethnic group' emphasizes shared culture and heritage.

Pitfall
He belongs to an ethics group.He belongs to an ethnic group.

learners often confuse the adjective 'ethnic' (related to culture) with the noun 'ethics' (related to moral principles).

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Updated