Expat Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛkspeɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who has chosen to live outside of their native country, often for work, education, or personal reasons.

Examples

• Many expats have found success in their careers abroad.
• The expat community in the city is very active and supportive.

Synonyms

• Emigrant
• Immigrant
• Refugee

Antonyms

• Native
• Local

Additional Information

Expats often face unique challenges, such as adapting to a new culture, finding employment, and navigating unfamiliar laws and regulations. However, many expats also report a sense of personal growth and fulfillment from their experiences abroad.

Expats may choose to live in a new country for a variety of reasons, including career advancement, education, or personal interests. Some expats may also be motivated by a desire to escape their home country’s economic or political situation.

Despite the challenges, many expats find that the benefits of living abroad far outweigh the difficulties. Expats often develop a new perspective on life and may find that their experiences abroad have a lasting impact on their personal and professional development.

Eymology

The term “expat” is a shortened form of “expatriate,” which comes from the Latin words “ex” meaning “out of” and “patria” meaning “country” or “homeland.”

Usage Notes

The term “expat” is often used informally to refer to anyone who has chosen to live outside of their native country. However, some people may use the term more specifically to refer to individuals who have relocated for work or education.

Cultural References

The term “expat” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the novel “The Expatriates” by Jan-Philipp Sendker explores the lives of a group of expats living in Shanghai.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

• Immigrant
• Refugee
• Foreigner

Collocations

• expat community
• expat life
• expat experience

Frequency of Use

The term “expat” is commonly used in informal contexts, such as online forums and social media. However, it is not typically used in formal or academic writing.

Common Misspellings

• Expat
• Expatriot
• Expatriate