'ethnic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ethnikos,' where 'ethnos' meant 'nation' or 'people.'

'ethnikos' transformed into the Latin word 'ethnicus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ethnic' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'heathen' or 'pagan,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to a population subgroup with a common national or cultural tradition.'