Ethnicity refers to the shared cultural, social, and historical characteristics of a group of people. It often includes factors such as nationality, language, religion, and traditions that distinguish one group from another. Ethnicity plays a significant role in a person's identity and social interactions, as it reflects a collective belonging to a particular cultural heritage.
The word "ethnicity" is derived from the Greek word "ethnos," which means "nation" or "people." It entered the English language in the mid-20th century, evolving to encompass the cultural and social dimensions of a group rather than just the geographical or political.