Emigrate vs. Immigrate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 26, 2023
Emigrate means to leave one's country to live in another; immigrate means to come into another country to live.
Key Differences
Emigrate refers to the act of departing from a particular country or place with the intent to reside elsewhere, while immigrate signifies the act of arriving and settling in a new country or place. Both terms center around movement but from different perspectives.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
When individuals emigrate, they're essentially exiting their homeland. They're taking a step to disconnect and relocate. On the other hand, when individuals immigrate, they're integrating into a new environment, suggesting a sense of inclusion in a foreign land.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Emigrate gives the sensation of letting go, departing, and maybe even a sense of loss from the perspective of the originating country. In contrast, immigrate involves acceptance, new beginnings, and the establishment of a new chapter in the destination country.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
To understand the subtle nuances between emigrate and immigrate, consider the direction. Emigrating is about moving out, whereas immigrating is about moving in.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
Think of emigrate as an "exit" and immigrate as an "entrance". Both actions complete the journey of an individual from one country to another, but they emphasize different parts of that journey.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Grammar
Used with "from" (emigrated from India).
Used with "to" (immigrated to Canada).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Perspective
From the point of view of the departure place.
From the point of view of the arrival place.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Related Word
Emigrant – a person who emigrates.
Immigrant – a person who immigrates.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
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Emigrate and Immigrate Definitions
Emigrate
To relocate for economic, political, or social reasons.
Scientists often emigrate for better research opportunities.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Immigrate
To move into a region as a new inhabitant.
Birds immigrate to warmer regions during winter.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Emigrate
To exit a region as part of a population movement.
During the famine, thousands emigrated to avoid starvation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Immigrate
To enter and settle in a country that's not one's native land.
After marrying, he chose to immigrate to his spouse's homeland.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Emigrate
To leave one's native country to settle in another.
Many chose to emigrate in search of a better life.
Huma Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
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Immigrate
To transition into a new country or society.
Refugees often immigrate due to dire circumstances in their homeland.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Emigrate
To depart from a place, especially one's homeland.
They decided to emigrate after economic downturns.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Immigrate
To come to a country for the purpose of permanent residence.
She decided to immigrate for better job opportunities.
Huma Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Emigrate
To transition from one country to another for permanent residence.
They emigrated to the US in the 1900s for freedom and opportunity.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Immigrate
To be received into a country as a new resident.
The nation allowed them to immigrate based on their skills and expertise.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Emigrate
To leave one country or region to settle in another. See Usage Note at migrate.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 01, 2017
Immigrate
To enter and settle in a country or region to which one is not native. See Usage Note at migrate.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 01, 2017
FAQs
What's the primary difference between emigrate and immigrate?
Emigrate focuses on leaving a country; immigrate focuses on entering a new one.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can a person be both an emigrant and an immigrant?
Yes, when someone leaves their home country (emigrant) and enters a new country (immigrant).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
How are refugees related to the term immigrate?
Refugees are individuals who immigrate due to fear of persecution.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Is there a difference in pronunciation between emigrate and immigrate?
Yes, "emigrate" starts with "em-" like "Emma", and "immigrate" starts with "im-" like "immediate."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Is there an emotional context to emigrating?
It can be emotional, depending on personal reasons for moving, like seeking better opportunities or escaping hardships.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Are emigrate and immigrate antonyms?
Not exactly, but they represent opposite actions in the context of international movement.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Does emigrate always imply permanent relocation?
Often, but not always. It mainly refers to a significant, lasting move.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can countries both emigrate and immigrate people?
Countries don't emigrate, but people from countries do. Countries can, however, accept immigrants.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
Can immigrating be temporary?
Typically, it implies a more permanent move, but there can be temporary immigration statuses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can one emigrate from a city to another within the same country?
Typically, emigrate is used for international moves. Within the same country, it's simply "move."
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
Which is more challenging, to emigrate or to immigrate?
Both have challenges. Emigrating involves leaving familiar settings, while immigrating involves adjusting to new ones.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can a tourist be considered as someone who immigrated?
No, tourists are temporary visitors, while immigrants have the intent to stay, often permanently.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Which prepositions are commonly used with emigrate and immigrate?
Emigrate is used with "from"; immigrate is used with "to".
Huma Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Can animals be said to emigrate or immigrate?
Technically, yes, especially in contexts like migration patterns.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Why do people emigrate?
Various reasons including economic, social, political, or personal.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
Is immigrating always by choice?
No, sometimes it's due to factors like war or persecution.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
