nationality
- 01 A2 Elementary
the official state of belonging to a country, which gives you a passport and legal rights there.
the legal relationship between an individual and a state, typically acquired by birth or naturalisation.
Simple“The application form asks for your name, date of birth, and nationality.”
In context“The treaty ensures that children born within the territory are granted nationality regardless of their parents' legal status.”
PitfallWhat is your nationality? I am from Brazil. What is your nationality? I am Brazilian.When asked for your nationality, give the adjective for the country (e.g., Brazilian, Japanese) rather than the name of the country itself.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a group of people who share the same language, culture, and history.
an ethnic group or community forming a part of one or more political nations.
Simple“The city is home to people of many different nationalities and cultures.”
In context“The empire was composed of various nationalities, each struggling to maintain its own linguistic and cultural traditions under central rule.”
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
the specific qualities or character that belong to a particular nation.
the quality of being national; ethnic or cultural character or identity.
Simple“The old book discussed the unique nationality of the island people.”
In context“The author sought to define the essential nationality of the region through its folk songs and traditional architecture.”
UsageIn modern English, 'national identity' is almost always used instead of this sense.
From national + -ity, perhaps after French nationalité; ultimately from Latin nātio (“nation, people”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.