“Emigrate” vs. “Immigrate” – Navigating the Journey of Words

The act of moving from one country to another is a significant life event, and the English language has two distinct words to describe this process: “emigrate” and “immigrate.”

These terms may sound similar, but they offer different perspectives on the movement of people across borders.

Quick Summary

“Emigrate” refers to the act of leaving one’s country to live in another, while “immigrate” is the act of coming to a new country to live permanently. The choice between “emigrate” and “immigrate” depends on the direction of the move relative to the countries involved.

“Emigrate” vs. “Immigrate” – Which is Correct?

The correct term is based on the point of view of the departure or arrival:

Word	When to Use	Example
Emigrate	When referring to leaving one’s home country	Her grandparents emigrated from Italy in the 1920s.
Immigrate	When discussing entering and settling in a new country	They immigrated to Canada to seek new opportunities.

How to Use “Emigrate”

“Emigrate” is used when the focus is on leaving one’s country to settle in another. It is often followed by the preposition “from.” Here’s how to use it:

“During the economic crisis, many people emigrated from Greece in search of better opportunities.”

“After much consideration, they decided to emigrate from their homeland.”

How to Use “Immigrate”

“Immigrate” is used when the emphasis is on coming into a new country to live. It is often followed by the preposition “to.” Here’s how to use it:

“Her family immigrated to the United States when she was just a child.”

“The city has a rich culture due to the many people who have immigrated to it over the years.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word for each sentence:

1. Many scientists _ from Europe to the United States during the 20th century.
2. His parents _ from Vietnam in the 1970s.
3. She plans to _ from Japan to start a new business.
4. The number of people who _ to Australia has increased in recent years.
5. In the 1800s, a large number of Irish citizens _ due to the potato famine.

Answer Key:

1. Immigrated
2. Emigrated
3. Emigrate
4. Immigrated
5. Emigrated

Conclusion

Understanding when to use “emigrate” and “immigrate” is key to discussing the complex topic of migration with accuracy. “Emigrate” captures the departure, while “immigrate” focuses on the arrival.

Mastery of these terms allows for a clearer conversation about the movement of people and the narratives of their lives as they seek new horizons.