What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ethnicity
Example
Her ethnicity is Chinese, but she was born and raised in the United States. [ethnicity: noun]
Example
The festival celebrates the diversity of ethnicities and cultures in the community. [ethnicities: plural noun]
race
Example
She identifies as biracial, with a Black father and a White mother. [race: noun]
Example
The concept of race has been used to justify discrimination and inequality throughout history. [race: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Race is a more commonly used term than ethnicity in everyday language, but both terms are important in discussions of identity and diversity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ethnicity and race?
Both ethnicity and race can be used in formal and informal contexts, but race may be seen as more formal due to its legal implications.
