expatriates - Master This Word
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expatriates Word Meanings
- a person who lives outside their native country
- to settle in a foreign country
- to renounce allegiance to one's native country
expatriates Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
expatriates Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɛkˈspætrɪət/
US
/ɛkˈspeɪtriət/
expatriates Word Etymology
Root decomposition: ex- (out) + patriate (from patria, fatherland). Historical origin: Latin → Old French 'expatrier' → English. Memory image: Imagine a traveler who leaves their homeland and plants a new flag in a foreign land, symbolizing both loss and hope.
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
Expatriate is a noun for a person who lives outside their native country, and, less commonly, a verb meaning to settle in a foreign country or to renounce allegiance to one's homeland. In modern usage, expatriates often relocate for work, retirement, or adventure, and they may retain citizenship in their home country while integrating socially and professionally abroad. The term can carry neutral or positive connotations, though it can imply distance from one’s roots. Remember that 'to expatriate' is less common than 'to emigrate' or 'to immigrate' in everyday speech, and context matters for tone.
Usage Reminders
- • Expatriate refers to long-term residence abroad, not a temporary trip.
- • The noun is common and plural: expatriates.
- • The verb form is rare; use relocate or move abroad for everyday speech.
- • It does not imply giving up citizenship, though tax or legal ties may differ by country.
- • Be mindful of neutral versus glamorous connotations in tone.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing expatriate with immigrant; many expatriates do not intend to permanently settle.
- Assuming expatriate means renouncing citizenship; often they keep their home citizenship.
- Thinking expatriate equals refugee; they usually relocate by choice for work/study.
- Believing expatriate always implies wealth or elite status; it covers diverse backgrounds.
- Using expatriate only for corporate staff; freelancers and students can be expatriates too.
Thinking Differences
English often separates the noun (a person living abroad) from the verb (to relocate abroad) with clear distinctions; learners may assume expatriate always means emigration or citizenship changes. The concept is about residence and identity in a host country, not necessarily legal status.
Learning Tips
- Compare with immigrant and emigrant to clarify scope.
- Use 'move abroad' for everyday talk; reserve 'expatriate' for longer stays.
- Remember plural: expatriates.
- Be mindful of tone—neutral vs glamorous.
- Check country-specific laws that affect residency and citizenship.
- Practice with real-world contexts like work assignments or study programs.
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