noun
ethnocentrism
eth-noh-SEN-triz-um
Ethnocentrism (noun) means the tendency to see the world mainly from the viewpoint of one's own ethnic culture. Example: “Her essay argued that ethnocentrism can make travellers misjudge the customs they meet abroad.”
noun
1
The tendency to see the world mainly from the viewpoint of one's own ethnic culture.
"Her essay argued that ethnocentrism can make travellers misjudge the customs they meet abroad."
"Anthropologists try to avoid ethnocentrism when they study another society."
"Ethnocentrism often shows up in the assumption that one's own way of doing things is the normal one."
How to use ethnocentrism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishJudging the world mainly through the lens of your own culture.
When to use it
It is a fairly formal word, common in social science and academic writing.
Memory tip
The related adjective is ethnocentric, used for a person or view showing this tendency.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
cultural ethnocentrism
avoid ethnocentrism
charge of ethnocentrism
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Her essay argued that _____ can make travellers misjudge the customs they meet abroad.
Etymology
The word is formed in English from the combining form ethno- and the suffix -centrism.
Rhymes for ethnocentrism
See all rhymes for ethnocentrism →Frequently asked questions
What does ethnocentrism mean?
It means judging other cultures by the standards of your own.
What is an example of ethnocentrism?
Assuming that the customs of your own culture are the natural standard, and judging other cultures by them, is a typical example.
How is ethnocentrism formed as a word?
It is built from ethno- and -centrism.
What is the meaning of ethnocentrism?
"ethnocentrism" (noun) means the tendency to see the world mainly from the viewpoint of one's own ethnic culture.
