Nationality: meaning, definitions and examples

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nationality

 

[ ˌnæʃəˈnæləti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

country identity

The status of belonging to a particular nation, whether by birth or naturalization.

Synonyms

citizenship, descent, ethnicity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nationality

Used to refer to the country where a person was born or to which they belong by heritage or naturalization. It is often used in official documents or formal contexts.

  • She has dual nationality, being both a Canadian and a British citizen.
  • His nationality is listed as Japanese on his passport.
citizenship

Specifically related to the legal status of being a recognized subject or national of a state, with rights and duties attached. Often used in legal or bureaucratic contexts.

  • He applied for Canadian citizenship after living there for five years.
  • Citizenship grants you the right to vote in elections.
ethnicity

Focuses on social groupings, cultures, and identities based on shared traditions, language, or national experiences. Used in both social and academic discussions.

  • Her ethnicity is Hispanic, and she celebrates many traditional festivals.
  • The survey asked about the respondent's ethnicity.
descent

Refers to a person’s ancestry or lineage. Used primarily when talking about ethnic background or heritage, rather than current legal status or nationality.

  • She is of Irish descent, though she was born in the United States.
  • He can trace his descent back to a noble family.

Examples of usage

  • She has dual nationality.
  • What is your nationality?
  • He is proud of his nationality.
Context #2 | Noun

national character

The distinctive qualities or characteristics that define a nation or its people.

Synonyms

culture, heritage, identity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nationality

Use this word when referring to the country where a person holds citizenship or legal status. It is often used in official and legal contexts.

  • She holds dual nationality in Canada and Australia
  • Your nationality can play a role in visa requirements
culture

This word is best to describe the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.

  • Japanese culture includes traditional tea ceremonies and sumo wrestling
  • The festival celebrates the diverse cultures within the city
heritage

Use this word to talk about traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation. It often carries a sense of legacy passed down through generations.

  • The museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Indigenous tribes
  • She is proud of her Irish heritage
identity

This term is used to discuss characteristics, feelings, or beliefs that distinguish people or groups from others. It can be related to aspects like ethnicity, nationality, gender, or even personal interests.

  • His cultural identity is very important to him
  • Struggling with identity issues is common in adolescence

Examples of usage

  • The cuisine reflects the nationality of the country.
  • There is a sense of pride in their nationality.

Translations

Translations of the word "nationality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nacionalidade

🇮🇳 राष्ट्रीयता

🇩🇪 Nationalität

🇮🇩 kewarganegaraan

🇺🇦 національність

🇵🇱 narodowość

🇯🇵 国籍 (kokuseki)

🇫🇷 nationalité

🇪🇸 nacionalidad

🇹🇷 milliyet

🇰🇷 국적 (gukjeok)

🇸🇦 جنسية (jinsiyya)

🇨🇿 národnost

🇸🇰 národnosť

🇨🇳 国籍 (guójí)

🇸🇮 državljanstvo

🇮🇸 þjóðerni

🇰🇿 ұлттық

🇬🇪 ეროვნება

🇦🇿 milliyyət

🇲🇽 nacionalidad

Etymology

The word 'nationality' originated in the early 17th century from the French word 'nationalité', which is derived from the Latin word 'nationalis' meaning 'of or pertaining to a nation'. The concept of nationality has evolved over time to encompass not just legal citizenship but also cultural identity and belonging.

See also: international, multinational, national, nationalism, nationalist, nationalistic, nationalization, nationalize, nationally, nationals, nationwide, transnational.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,141 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.