ethnocentric

[ eth-noh-sen-trik ]

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.

Other Words From

• eth·no·cen·tri·cal·ly adverb
• eth·no·cen·tric·i·ty [eth-noh-sen-, tris, -i-tee] noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethnocentric¹

ethno- ( def ) + -centric ( def )

Example Sentences

Orban has used tax dollars, his control of the media and perversion of the education system to push an ethnocentric, nativist ideology, she explained.

From Salon

While liberal democracies remain dominant in Western Europe, that dominance rests partly on ethnocentric foundations that are ultimately at odds with the values such democracies claim to support.

From Salon

Some factors include ethnocentric, racial and religious biases against Arabs and Muslims.

From Salon

Arguably the most problematic of these ethnocentric myths involves what’s often called the most important invention of the last millennium: the celebration of Germany’s Johannes Gutenberg as the inventor of movable metal type.

From Seattle Times

Most important, the Mission San Gabriel Museum confronted its historically ethnocentric perspective.

From Los Angeles Times