What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
biracial
Example
She is biracial, with a Chinese mother and an African-American father. [biracial: adjective]
Example
The biracial community celebrates their unique cultural blend. [biracial: noun]
multiracial
Example
He is multiracial, with a Japanese mother, a Mexican father, and an Indian grandmother. [multiracial: adjective]
Example
The multiracial population is growing as more people embrace their mixed heritage. [multiracial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Biracial is more commonly used than multiracial in everyday language. It is a term that is widely understood and accepted. On the other hand, multiracial is less common but is often used in more formal or academic settings to acknowledge the complexity and diversity of someone's heritage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between biracial and multiracial?
While biracial is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, multiracial is more commonly used in formal or academic settings. It is important to consider the context and audience when choosing between the two words.