1. relating to or denoting an approach to the study or description of a language or culture from an external, objective perspective rather than from within the system itself
Usage: linguistics and anthropology; contrasts with 'emic'

Examples

• The linguist took an etic approach, analyzing the phonetic features of the language without relying on native speakers' intuitions.
• An etic perspective allows researchers to compare cultural practices across different societies using a common framework.
• The anthropologist distinguished between emic categories used by the community and etic categories imposed by the observer.
• From an etic standpoint, the ritual appeared to serve a social bonding function.
• Etic analysis focuses on measurable, observable behaviors rather than subjective interpretations.