Langimage
English

antiethnic

|an-ti-eth-nic|

C2

/ˌæn.tiˈɛθ.nɪk/

against ethnic groups

Etymology
Etymology Information

'antiethnic' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek anti-, meaning 'against') and the adjective 'ethnic' (from Greek 'ethnos' via Latin/Modern European languages), where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'ethnic' related to 'people' or 'nation'.

Historical Evolution

'anti-' comes from Greek 'antí' meaning 'against', while 'ethnic' derives from Greek 'ethnos' (people, nation) through Late Latin and French into English; the compound 'antiethnic' is a straightforward Modern English formation combining these elements.

Meaning Changes

Initially formed simply as a compound meaning 'against ethnic (groups/identity)', it has come to be used in political and social contexts to describe policies, attitudes, or actions that oppose or marginalize ethnic groups.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the quality or state of being opposed to ethnic groups or to the recognition of ethnic differences; opposition expressed as policy, attitude, or ideology (noun form derived from the adjective).

Rising antiethnicity in the region has increased tensions between communities.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

hostile to, opposed to, or treating unfavorably a particular ethnic group or ethnic identity; showing opposition to ethnicity as a social category.

The party adopted several antiethnic measures that marginalized minority communities.

Synonyms

ethnically hostileethnohostilexenophobic (partly overlapping)racist (in related contexts)

Antonyms

Adverb 1

in a manner that is hostile to or opposed to ethnic groups (adverbial use derived from the adjective).

The policy was implemented antiethnically, ignoring the needs of minority groups.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/08/31 17:49