Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

etic

Adjective

/ˈɛtɪk/

Definition

Relating to a perspective or analysis of a culture or social group from an external viewpoint.

Examples

The etic analysis of the community revealed interesting patterns in their social interactions.
Researchers often struggle to balance emic and etic perspectives when studying complex societies.

Meaning

The term ‘etic’ is used in anthropology and other social sciences to describe an objective approach to studying cultures, focusing on observable behaviors rather than subjective feelings or meanings.