emigrate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
emigrate Word Meanings
- to leave one's country to live in another
- to migrate from one place to another
- to move to a different nation for residence
emigrate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
emigrate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛmɪɡreɪt/
US
/ˈɛmɪɡreɪt/
emigrate Word Etymology
emigrate = e- (out) + migrate (to move). Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory Image: Picture a suitcase being carried out of a country, moving towards a new life abroad.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Emigrate means to leave your own country to live in another. It emphasizes the act of exiting a homeland to establish residence abroad, and is usually paired with to for the destination and from for the origin. It contrasts with migrate, a broader term that can refer to moving within a country or across borders, and with immigrate, which focuses on entering a new country as a resident. In everyday English, people talk about emigrating for work, study, or family reasons, and you will often see phrases like emigrate from Italy to the United States or emigrate to Canada. Memory image: picture a suitcase being carried out of a country toward a new life abroad.
Usage Reminders
- Use emigrate to describe leaving your homeland and moving abroad.
- Pair with from (origin) and to (destination).
- Compare with immigrate: you enter a country as a resident.
- Compare with migrate: broader, can mean moving within a country.
- Emigrate is often for long-term relocation; consider the context of residence.
- Common collocations: emigrate from X to Y; emigrate to Y.
Common Misconceptions
- Emigrate is the same as immigrate.
- Emigrate always means moving within your own country.
- Migrate and emigrate are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Someone emigrates when they come to your country.
- Emigrate refers to temporary moves.
Thinking Differences
Learners hear 'emigrate' and often picture leaving home; English uses explicit origin/destination with from/to. Avoid thinking you can replace emigrate with migrate in all contexts; use immigrate for entering a country and emigrate for leaving your homeland.
Learning Tips
- Remember origin with from and destination with to.
- Differentiate emigrate from immigrate (leave vs enter).
- Emigrate implies a long-term relocation, not a short trip.
- Pair emigrate with country names to show the path.
- Practice with 'emigrate from X to Y' in both current and hypothetical scenarios.
- Check context: political asylum or study may influence wording.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'emigrate'?
A.To study overseas temporarily
B.To visit a different country for a short period
C.To move within one's own country
D.To leave one's own country to settle permanently in another
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'emigrate' used correctly?
A.Sarah decided to emigrate back to her hometown.
B.The tourist plans to emigrate for a week-long vacation.
C.The students will emigrate to the city for college.
D.Many people emigrate to seek better opportunities.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'emigrate'?
A.Imitate
B.Disperse
C.Embellish
D.Immigrate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'emigrate'?
A.Immigrate
B.Infiltrate
C.Migrate
D.Depart
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would someone choose to emigrate?
A.To permanently move to another country for work
B.To explore new cultures and languages
C.To attend a conference abroad
D.To study overseas for a semester
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