Ethnic synonym,synonyms of ethnic

1. Ethnical
   • Meaning Similarity
     • “Ethnical” is a close synonym of “ethnic,” both referring to characteristics related to a particular ethnic group. They are used to describe aspects such as culture, traditions, language, and physical features that are associated with a distinct group of people sharing a common heritage. For example, when discussing the unique art forms of a specific community, we could say, “The ethnic/ethnical art of this group is characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate patterns.” Here, both terms are used interchangeably to denote the art that is specific to that ethnic group.
   • Usage Differences
     • “Ethnic” is the more commonly used term in modern English. It is widely accepted and used in various contexts, including academic research, social discussions, and official documents. For example, “Ethnic diversity is an important aspect of our society,” or “The study focuses on the ethnic traditions of different communities.”
     • “Ethnical” is a less frequently used variant. It may sound a bit more old - fashioned or formal in some contexts. While it can be used interchangeably with “ethnic” in many cases, its usage is not as widespread. For instance, it might be more likely to be encountered in older texts or in some specialized, more formal writing where the author wishes to use a slightly more elaborate or less common term.
2. Cultural
   • Meaning Similarity
     • “Cultural” and “ethnic” are related in that they both pertain to the characteristics of a group of people. “Cultural” refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, arts, and social behaviors of a group. Similarly, “ethnic” often encompasses these cultural aspects as part of the identity of an ethnic group. For example, the traditional music of a particular region can be described as both a cultural and an ethnic characteristic. It is cultural because it represents the artistic and musical traditions of the group, and it is ethnic because it is associated with the unique identity of that ethnic group.
   • Usage Differences
     • “Cultural” has a broader scope. It can refer to the characteristics of any group, whether it is defined by ethnicity, nationality, religion, or even a sub - culture within a larger society. For example, “Corporate culture” refers to the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors within a company, which has nothing to do with ethnicity. In a more general sense, when we talk about “world culture,” we are referring to the collective cultural achievements of all human societies, encompassing a wide range of ethnic, national, and religious groups.
     • “Ethnic” is more specifically related to groups of people who share a common heritage, often including factors such as language, religion, and traditional customs that have been passed down through generations. It is used to describe the unique identity and characteristics of these specific ethnic groups. For example, when we talk about the “ethnic cuisine” of a particular group, we are referring to the traditional food and cooking methods that are specific to that ethnic group, which is distinct from the broader concept of “cultural cuisine” that could include the food of any group or culture.
3. Racial
   • Meaning Similarity
     • “Racial” and “ethnic” are often confused, but they do share some overlapping concepts related to human groups. Both terms are used to categorize people based on certain characteristics. “Racial” typically refers to physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture that are shared by a group of people. “Ethnic” also involves a sense of group identity, which can include some physical characteristics but more importantly encompasses cultural, historical, and social factors. For example, in some discussions, both the physical appearance and the cultural traditions of a particular group might be considered in relation to both “racial” and “ethnic” aspects. A group with a distinct skin color and unique cultural practices can be analyzed from both a racial and an ethnic perspective, as their physical and cultural characteristics are intertwined and contribute to their overall group identity.
   • Usage Differences
     • “Racial” is more focused on the physical and biological aspects of human variation. It has been a controversial concept in anthropology and other fields, as the idea of distinct “races” has been challenged by the understanding that human genetic variation is continuous and not neatly divided into discrete groups. However, the term “racial” is still commonly used in discussions related to discrimination, social justice, and physical anthropology. For example, “Racial discrimination” refers to the unfair treatment of people based on their perceived racial characteristics. In this context, the focus is on the physical differences that are used as a basis for discrimination.
     • “Ethnic” is more concerned with the cultural, historical, and social aspects of group identity. It emphasizes the shared traditions, language, religion, and history of a group of people. “Ethnic” groups can be formed within a larger society or across different societies, and their identity is often based on a combination of cultural and historical factors. For example, the “ethnic” identity of the Irish people is based on their shared language (Gaelic), religion (Roman Catholicism), and a long history of cultural traditions, such as music, dance, and storytelling. In this context, the focus is on the cultural and historical aspects that contribute to the group's identity, rather than on physical characteristics alone.

In conclusion, “ethnical,” “cultural,” and “racial” are related to “ethnic,” but each has its own unique nuances and usage patterns. “Ethnical” is a less common variant of “ethnic,” “cultural” has a broader scope and can refer to any group's characteristics, and “racial” is more focused on physical characteristics, although the concept is controversial. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right word to accurately convey the intended meaning in various contexts related to human groups and their characteristics.