Nationality: meaning, definitions and examples

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nationality

[ˌnæʃəˈnæləti ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'natio', which means 'birth' or 'race', reflecting a shared heritage.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially referring to people from the same place.
Over time, it evolved to encompass legal and cultural identities linked to citizenship.

Legal Aspects

Nationality is often linked with legal rights and responsibilities within a country, determining who can vote or obtain a passport.
In many places, nationality can change through processes such as naturalization, where a person becomes a citizen of another country.
Some countries recognize multiple nationalities simultaneously, while others may require individuals to renounce their previous nationality.

Cultural Significance

Nationality often influences cultural identity, including language, traditions, and shared history.
Celebrations like Independence Day often reflect national pride and collective identity among citizens.
Imagery such as flags and anthems plays a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging tied to nationality.

Psychology

Research suggests that a strong sense of nationality can contribute to personal identity and social belonging.
Feeling connected to one's nationality can impact emotional well-being and foster community ties.
In times of conflict, nationality can also influence group dynamics and perceptions of in-group versus out-group.

Globalization

In our interconnected world, nationality can sometimes blur as people migrate for work or education, raising discussions about identity.
Surveys show that many individuals feel a dual or multiple sense of nationality, particularly in multicultural societies.
Global movements for equality challenge strict definitions of nationality and promote the idea of shared global identity.

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

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.

...
7138 compassion
7139 benefited
7140 diversion
7141 nationality
7142 boiled
7143 innocence
7144 domination
...