What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nationality
Example
My nationality is American, but my ethnicity is Chinese. [nationality: noun]
Example
She obtained British nationality after living in the UK for five years. [nationality: noun]
ethnicity
Example
Her ethnicity is African American, but she was born and raised in France. [ethnicity: noun]
Example
The festival celebrates the diversity of ethnicities and cultures in the city. [ethnicities: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nationality is more commonly used in official and legal contexts, while ethnicity is more commonly used in social and cultural contexts. Both terms are important in understanding diversity and identity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nationality and ethnicity?
Nationality is generally more formal than ethnicity, as it is often used in official and legal contexts. However, both terms can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and audience.
