Gentilic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌd͡ʒɛnˈtɪl.ɪk/

Definitions

1. A name or adjective derived from the place of origin or residence of a person or group
2. A word or adjective representing the geographical origin or cultural background of a person or group as a means of identity
3. A term used to describe an adjective or noun that indicates the region or nation from which an individual or group originates or identifies

Etymology: "Gentilic" is a plain formation: it comes from Latin "gentilis," meaning "of a clan or gens," with the English adjective-forming suffix "-ic" added. The Latin "gens" (clan, family group) is also the source of "gentile" and "gentle" through different routes, so the word sits within a family of related English terms. Its specific sense, a word that shows where someone or something comes from, such as a noun or adjective naming a nationality or inhabitant of a place, follows from the idea of belonging to a people or clan.

Synonyms: national, ethnic, local, regional, cultural