What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interracial
Example
They faced discrimination because of their interracial marriage. [interracial: adjective]
Example
The school promotes diversity and encourages interracial friendships. [interracial: adjective]
multiracial
Example
She identifies as multiracial because her mother is Asian and her father is African American. [multiracial: adjective]
Example
The university celebrates its multiracial student body and encourages cultural exchange. [multiracial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Multiracial is more commonly used than interracial in everyday language. Multiracial is a more inclusive term that can apply to anyone with mixed racial backgrounds, while interracial is more specific to relationships and interactions between people of different races.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interracial and multiracial?
Both interracial and multiracial are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
