What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ethnic
Example
The city is known for its diverse ethnic population. [ethnic: adjective]
Example
She comes from an ethnic family with strong cultural values. [ethnic: noun]
Example
The restaurant serves a variety of ethnic dishes from around the world. [ethnic: adjective]
tribal
Example
The region is home to several tribal communities with distinct cultures. [tribal: adjective]
Example
He is a member of a Native American tribe with a rich history. [tribal: noun]
Example
The festival celebrates the music and dance of various tribal groups. [tribal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ethnic is more commonly used than tribal in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is considered a more neutral term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ethnic and tribal?
Both ethnic and tribal can be used in formal and informal contexts, but ethnic is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
