ethnocentric

American  

[eth-noh-sen-trik] / ˌɛθ noʊˈsɛn trɪk /

adjective

1. Sociology.  demonstrating a belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture.

   Sadly, an ethnocentric macho attitude is often mistaken for patriotism.

2. viewing other ethnic or cultural groups through the lens of one’s own.

   Diversity of cultures helps to liberate us from the tunnel vision of an ethnocentric viewpoint.

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Other Word Forms

• ethnocentrically adverb
• ethnocentricity noun

Etymology

Origin of ethnocentric

ethno- ( def. ) + -centric ( def. )

Example Sentences

Many reactions to the situation were racist and ethnocentric.

From Washington Post

Definitions are critical here: Any group or individual can be prejudiced, bigoted, hateful, ethnocentric, nativist or otherwise intolerant.

From Salon

But you see ... the way we perceive the timing is very ethnocentric.

From Los Angeles Times

Nativism and racism and ethnocentric nationalism were able to gain purchase there.

From Salon

Moscow, however, has used the language issue to paint the Kyiv government as ethnocentric “fascists” bent on tyrannizing Ukraine’s Russian-speaking population.

From Washington Post