What does emigrate mean Meaning and Definition
What does emigrate mean
Pronunciation
/ɪmɪˈɡreɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To leave one’s own country in order to settle permanently in another country.
Examples
- Many people emigrate to other countries in search of better job opportunities.
- She emigrated to the United States with her family when she was a child.
Synonyms
- Immigrate
- Leave
- Depart
Antonyms
- Stay
- Remain
- Return
Additional Information
Emigration can be a complicated and often difficult process, involving various legal and logistical challenges. It can also be a positive and exciting experience, offering new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Emigration can be motivated by various factors, including economic conditions, political instability, and personal preferences. The concept of emigration is often contrasted with immigration, which refers to the act of entering and settling in a new country.
Emigration can have significant effects on both the country of origin and the receiving country. It can lead to brain drain, cultural changes, and economic impacts. On the other hand, it can also bring new skills, ideas, and perspectives to the receiving country, contributing to its cultural and economic diversity.
Etymology
The word “emigrate” comes from the Latin words “ex” meaning “out” and “migrare” meaning “to move”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the act of leaving one’s own country to settle in another.
Usage Notes
The word “emigrate” is often used interchangeably with “immigrate”, although they have slightly different meanings. Emigrate refers to the act of leaving one’s own country, while immigrate refers to the act of entering and settling in a new country. It is essential to use the correct word in the correct context to avoid confusion.
Cultural References
The concept of emigration has been explored in various literary works, such as James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake”. It has also been depicted in films, such as “The Godfather” and “The Pursuit of Happyness”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “To emigrate to greener pastures” means to leave one’s current situation in search of better opportunities.
- “To emigrate to a new land” means to start a new life in a different country.
Related Words or Phrases
- Immigrate
- Migrate
- Expat
- Refugee
Collocations
- “emigrate to” (e.g., “She emigrated to the United States.”)
- “emigrate from” (e.g., “He emigrated from his home country.”)
Frequency of Use
The word “emigrate” is moderately used in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to immigration, travel, and cultural diversity.
Common Misspellings
- “imigrate” (instead of “immigrate” or “emigrate”)
- “emigirate” (instead of “emigrate”)
- “imigrate to” (instead of “immigrate to” or “emigrate to”)