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What is the Meaning of “Immigrate”?

Immigrate
/ˈɪmɪɡreɪt/

Come to live in a new country as a permanent resident.

Definition of Immigrate

Quick Meaning of Immigrate

Come to live in a new country as a permanent resident.

Detailed Definition of Immigrate

Move permanently to a new country to live.

How to Pronounce Immigrate

IPA: /ˈɪmɪɡreɪt/
im mi grate

Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).

Tip: Stress the second syllable: im-MI-grate. The 'gr' sounds like 'gr' in 'great'.

Watch out: Some learners stress first syllable: IM-i-grate (incorrect).

Full pronunciation guide for “immigrate” →

Origin and Etymology of Immigrate

Latin immigrare: in- (into) + migrare (move). Opposite of emigrate.

How to Use Immigrate in a Sentence

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

  • “Her family immigrated to Canada in 2015 for better job opportunities.”
    B1 written
  • “They plan to immigrate next year after getting their visas approved.”
    B1 conversation
  • “Thousands of people immigrate to countries with stronger economies annually.”
    B2 academic

Synonyms and Antonyms of Immigrate

Common Synonyms for Immigrate

Smart Synonyms for Immigrate — When to Use Each

migrate to
For traveling to settle in a place
relocate to
For moving for work or life reasons
settle in
For establishing residence and adapting

Antonyms of Immigrate

See all synonyms for “immigrate” →

Common Collocations with Immigrate

These phrases pair with “immigrate” in everyday English:

  • immigrate to Canada
  • immigrate legally
  • immigrate from Mexico

Common Mistakes When Using Immigrate

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

✗ Wrong: She immigrates from Mexico to USA.
✓ Correct: She immigrated from Mexico to the USA.
Why: Use past tense when describing a completed action. Also use article 'the' with USA.
✗ Wrong: He want to immigrate Canada next year.
✓ Correct: He wants to immigrate to Canada next year.
Why: Third-person singular needs 's' (wants) and the verb requires 'to' before the country.

Words Confused With Immigrate

  • Immigrate vs Emigrate: Immigrate = enter a country (movement in). Emigrate = leave a country (movement out). Compare →

Other Forms of Immigrate

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigrate

What is the meaning of "Immigrate"?

Come to live in a new country as a permanent resident.

How do you pronounce "Immigrate"?

The IPA is /ˈɪmɪɡreɪt/. Stress the second syllable: im-MI-grate. The 'gr' sounds like 'gr' in 'great'.

What part of speech is "Immigrate"?

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

What are synonyms for "Immigrate"?

Common synonyms include migrate to, relocate to, settle in.

How do you use "Immigrate" in a sentence?

For example: "Her family immigrated to Canada in 2015 for better job opportunities."

Explore Immigrate in Other Tools