Definition of ethnic

The word "ethnic" originated in ancient Greece, where it was used to denote people who were foreign or not of Greek descent. The Greek word for this was "ethnikos," which literally translates to "belonging to a nation or people." In medieval and early modern Europe, the term was used to describe non-Christians, particularly Jews and Muslims. It was commonly used in a derogatory sense, implying that these people were somehow different and inferior to Christians. During the 19th century, "ethnic" began to take on a more neutral meaning, as scholars used it to describe groups based on cultural and linguistic differences rather than religious ones. This usage became more widespread in the 20th century, as countries became more diverse and the idea of multi-culturalism became more accepted. Today, the word "ethnic" is still sometimes used in a derogatory sense, particularly in reference to minorities who are seen as "other" by the dominant culture. However, it is also used more broadly to simply denote people who belong to a cultural group that is distinct from the mainstream. Overall, the meaning of "ethnic" has evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes towards cultural and linguistic difference, as well as broader societal trends like immigration and globalization.