Word
nationality
Phoneticsna·tion·al·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌnæʃəˈnæɫəti/
UK/nˌæʃənˈælɪti/
Definitions
01legal citizenship
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Law
n. the official state of belonging to a country, which gives you a passport and legal rights there.
n. the legal relationship between an individual and a state, typically acquired by birth or naturalisation.
“The application form asks for your name, date of birth, and nationality.”
“The treaty ensures that children born within the territory are granted nationality regardless of their parents' legal status.”
Pitfall
What 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
02ethnic group
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a group of people who share the same language, culture, and history.
n. an ethnic group or community forming a part of one or more political nations.
“The city is home to people of many different nationalities and cultures.”
“The empire was composed of various nationalities, each struggling to maintain its own linguistic and cultural traditions under central rule.”
Synonyms
03national character
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic
n. the specific qualities or character that belong to a particular nation.
n. the quality of being national; ethnic or cultural character or identity.
“The old book discussed the unique nationality of the island people.”
“The author sought to define the essential nationality of the region through its folk songs and traditional architecture.”
Usage
In modern English, 'national identity' is almost always used instead of this sense.
Etymology
From national + -ity, perhaps after French nationalité; ultimately from Latin nātio (“nation, people”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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