Ethnologist: meaning, definitions and examples

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ethnologist

 

[ ɛθˈnɒlədʒɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

study of cultures

Ethnologist is a person who studies and analyzes the cultural practices, beliefs, and customs of different societies. They often conduct fieldwork to observe and document various aspects of a culture, such as language, traditions, rituals, and social structures. Ethnologists play a crucial role in understanding the diversity and complexity of human societies.

Synonyms

anthropologist, cultural researcher, sociologist.

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Word Description / Examples
ethnologist

Used when referring to someone studying specific ethnic groups, their cultures, and their social structures. It places emphasis on the comparative study of cultures.

  • The ethnologist spent years living with the tribe to understand their way of life
  • Ethnologists often compare the rituals of different societies to find commonalities
anthropologist

This is a broad term used for someone studying human societies, cultures, and their development. It encompasses fields such as ethnology, archaeology, linguistics, and more.

  • The anthropologist discovered ancient artifacts that shed light on early human civilization
  • Anthropologists study how humans adapt to different environments
sociologist

Primarily used for someone studying societal structures, interactions, and institutions. Sociologists often focus on contemporary social issues and patterns.

  • The sociologist examined the effects of social media on modern communication
  • Sociologists study how societal norms influence individual behavior
cultural researcher

This term is used for someone focusing on specific cultural practices, beliefs, and values. It is less technical and can apply to academic and non-academic studies.

  • As a cultural researcher, she explored the impact of globalization on local traditions
  • Cultural researchers may analyze how festivals evolve over time

Examples of usage

  • An ethnologist traveled to a remote village to study the indigenous tribe living there.
  • The ethnologist's research shed light on the cultural heritage of the community.

Translations

Translations of the word "ethnologist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 etnólogo

🇮🇳 नृवंशविज्ञानी

🇩🇪 Ethnologe

🇮🇩 etnolog

🇺🇦 етнолог

🇵🇱 etnolog

🇯🇵 民族学者

🇫🇷 ethnologue

🇪🇸 etnólogo

🇹🇷 etnolog

🇰🇷 민족학자

🇸🇦 عالم أنثروبولوجيا

🇨🇿 etnolog

🇸🇰 etnológ

🇨🇳 民族学家

🇸🇮 etnolog

🇮🇸 þjóðfræðingur

🇰🇿 этнолог

🇬🇪 ეთნოლოგი

🇦🇿 etnoloq

🇲🇽 etnólogo

Etymology

The term 'ethnologist' originated from the Greek words 'ethnos' (meaning 'people' or 'nation') and 'logos' (meaning 'study' or 'discourse'). It first appeared in the mid-19th century to describe scholars who focused on the comparative study of cultures and societies. Ethnologists have played a significant role in advancing our understanding of human diversity and cultural practices.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,336 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.