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What is the Meaning of “Emigrate”?

Emigrate
/ˈɛmɪɡreɪt/

To move away from your home country to live in a different country for a long time.

Definition of Emigrate

Quick Meaning of Emigrate

To move away from your home country to live in a different country for a long time.

Detailed Definition of Emigrate

To leave one's own country to settle permanently or work in another country.

How to Pronounce Emigrate

IPA: /ˈɛmɪɡreɪt/
em i grate

Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).

Tip: Stress the first syllable: EM-i-grate. The 'a' at the end is a schwa sound.

Watch out: Learners sometimes confuse with immigrate or mispronounce as 'e-mi-GRATE' with stress on last syllable.

Full pronunciation guide for “emigrate” →

Origin and Etymology of Emigrate

From Latin 'emigrare'—to move out (e- out + migrare to move).

How to Use Emigrate in a Sentence

Each example shows “emigrate” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Her grandfather emigrated from Italy to Canada in the 1950s.”
    B1 daily
  • “Many skilled workers emigrate to find better job opportunities abroad.”
    B1 conversation
  • “Economic hardship led many families to emigrate from rural areas to developed nations.”
    B2 academic

Synonyms and Antonyms of Emigrate

Common Synonyms for Emigrate

Smart Synonyms for Emigrate — When to Use Each

immigrate
when entering a new country to stay
relocate
when moving to any new location generally
migrate
when moving temporarily or repeatedly

Antonyms of Emigrate

See all synonyms for “emigrate” →

Common Collocations with Emigrate

These phrases pair with “emigrate” in everyday English:

  • emigrate to a country
  • emigrate from a place
  • emigrate for work
  • emigrate due to hardship
  • emigrate permanently

Common Mistakes When Using Emigrate

Even fluent speakers slip up with “emigrate”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: She immigrated from Poland.
✓ Correct: She emigrated from Poland.
Why: Emigrate = leaving your country; immigrate = entering a country.
✗ Wrong: He emigrated in Canada for work.
✓ Correct: He emigrated to Canada for work.
Why: Use 'to' with the destination country, not 'in'.

Words Confused With Emigrate

  • Emigrate vs Immigrate: Emigrate = leave your country; immigrate = enter a new country. Think: e=exit, i=in. Compare →

Other Forms of Emigrate

Frequently Asked Questions About Emigrate

What is the meaning of "Emigrate"?

To move away from your home country to live in a different country for a long time.

How do you pronounce "Emigrate"?

The IPA is /ˈɛmɪɡreɪt/. Stress the first syllable: EM-i-grate. The 'a' at the end is a schwa sound.

What part of speech is "Emigrate"?

"Emigrate" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Emigrate"?

Common synonyms include leave, depart, move away.

How do you use "Emigrate" in a sentence?

For example: "Her grandfather emigrated from Italy to Canada in the 1950s."

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