immigrate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
immigrate Word Meanings
- to come to live permanently in a foreign country
- to move to a different country for a better life
- to settle in a new land.
immigrate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
immigrate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪmɪɡreɪt/
US
/ˈɪmɪɡreɪt/
immigrate Word Etymology
(a) Decompose: 'im-' (in) + 'migrate' (to move). (b) Origin: Latin 'immigrare' → Old French → English. (c) Memory: Imagine a person stepping off a boat onto a new shore, ready to start a new life in an unfamiliar land, feeling both excitement and nervousness.
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
Immigrate means to come to live permanently in a country other than your own. It focuses on the act of moving to start a new life, often for safety, work, family, or opportunity. In English we say 'immigrate to Canada' or 'immigrate to the United States.' The verb contrasts with 'emigrate,' which means to leave your homeland. Immigration typically involves legal processes such as visas or residency permits, though these rules vary by country. A person who immigrates is called an immigrant. A memory cue: picture stepping onto a new shore with hopes for a stable future, leaving familiar surroundings behind but carrying dreams for growth.
Usage Reminders
- - Use 'immigrate to' with a destination to express long term settlement.
- - Distinguish immigrant (a person) from immigration (the process).
- - Emigrate means to leave your country, not to enter another.
- - Practice with real destinations (Canada, United States, Australia).
- - Be aware of migrate as a broader movement, not specific to countries.
Common Misconceptions
- Immigrate and emigrate are often used as exact opposites, but immigration focuses on entering and settling, while emigration is leaving a country.
- People think immigrate always requires a visa when rules vary by country.
- Confusing migrate (general movement) with immigrate (legal relocation for long-term residence).
- Treating immigrant and immigration as the same word; one is a person, the other is a process.
- Using 'immigrate to' with temporary stays or short visits by mistake.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: immigrate emphasizes arriving to live long-term in a new country, while emigrate focuses on leaving one's homeland; learners often mix them up or overgeneralize 'move to' as equivalent to immigrate.
Learning Tips
- - Use immigrate to with a destination (immigrate to Canada).
- - Learn the related nouns immigrant and immigration.
- - Distinguish immigrate from emigrate (direction matters).
- - Practice legal/visa context to sound natural.
- - Pair with real destinations (USA, Canada, Australia).
- - Listen to real-life immigration stories to see usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'immigrate'?
A.To move to a new country to live permanently.
B.To leave one's country.
C.To travel temporarily for work.
D.To visit friends or family.
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'immigrate' correctly.
A.Many people emigrate to find better job opportunities.
B.They wanted to immigrate during their vacation abroad.
C.She decided to immigrate to the United States to start a new life.
D.The family will immigrate to their new house tomorrow.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'immigrate'?
A.Emigrate
B.Visit
C.Pack
D.Travel
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'immigrate'?
A.Depart
B.Transmit
C.Stay
D.Reside
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might 'immigrate'?
A.That's where my friend lives after they decided to immigrate last year.
B.She plans to study abroad next semester.
C.People usually celebrate holidays with family and friends.
D.He enjoys hiking and exploring new places.
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