THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMIGRATE AND IMMIGRATE
Emigrate vs. immigrate:
With all the migration happening throughout the world you may have heard the two words “ emigrate “ and “ immigrate” but we may also have this problem of not knowing the difference between them. What is the difference between the two words “emigrate” and ” immigrate”. How should we use them in a sentence or how we know what the speaker is talking about?
They have similar meanings but with a little difference in usage. Let’s look at the right times we use them. Before talking about the difference between the two words let’s look at the word “ migrate “.
To migrate is to move from one country or region and settle in another. Migrate is a general word that the two words emigrate and immigrate come from this big word. When it applies to people, it generally means a permanent move but can also mean a temporary relocation. It can be used for both people and animals.
For example:
Robins migrate south every winter.( for animals )
Many Easterners migrated west during the California Gold Rush ( for people and permanent move).
Many workers migrate north for cropping season (temporary relocation).
Immigrate:
When you enter another region to settle we use immigrate. It means a permanent move and is used only for people.
For example:
My grandparents immigrated to the United States in the 1920’s.
When the word immigrate is used it means that an individual or a group of people have moved to another country, in other words they have crossed a political boundary but when “ migrate “ is used it is not necessarily out of the country it can be inside of the country or local.
For example:
Many Michiganders migrate south for the winter.
In the example Michiganders aren’t moving outside of the country they are just changing their regional place.
Emigrate:
To emigrate means to leave a region or country permanently to settle in another country. It is used only for people.
For example:
My grandparents emigrated from Norway.
So, when we want to say people are entering a country permanently the word "immigrate ” is used but when talking about leaving people the word “ emigrate ” is used.
Examples:
My grandparents immigrated to the United States.( meaning entering )
My grandparents emigrated from Norway.( meaning leaving )
So, next time you hear these words or want to use them in your speaking English you have an understanding of how to use them correctly.
