enclave
EN-klayv
/ˈen.kleɪv/
A portion of territory within or surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct.
Often used to describe 'Chinatowns' or 'Little Italys'—neighborhoods where an immigrant group maintains its own language and customs.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'enclaver', meaning 'to enclose or lock in'. It shares a root with 'clavis' (key). An enclave is a place that is 'locked' inside another territory.
Word relationships
- neighborhood: A neighborhood is just a local area; an enclave must be culturally distinct from the surrounding area.
- ghetto: Ghetto has a strong negative connotation of poverty and forced restriction; enclave is often neutral or even positive.
Commonly confused with
- exclave: An enclave is 'locked in' by others; an exclave is a piece of a country that is 'locked out' of its main body (like Alaska).
Collocations
- ethnic enclave
- cultural enclave
- wealthy enclave
- diplomatic enclave
Example sentences
- "An ethnic enclave is a geographic area with high ethnic concentration, characteristic cultural identity, and economic activity." Defining the sociological term.
- "The neighborhood serves as a cultural enclave, preserving traditional crafts and languages that have disappeared elsewhere." Describing a tourist destination.
Memory hook
Think of 'In-Cave'. An enclave is like a little cave of one culture inside the mountain of another. Locked inside.
When not to use
Don't use for a whole country unless it is entirely surrounded by another country (like Lesotho).
Fun facts
- The Vatican City is a famous political enclave, as it is a tiny independent country completely surrounded by the city of Rome.
Related words
Explore more words
district, ghetto, multiculturalism, multicultural, subculture, encroachment
Also appears in
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