GRAMMAR – MIGRATE vs EMIGRATE vs IMMIGRATE
Migrate
- Definition: To move from one place to another, often temporarily or seasonally.
- Usage: “Migrate” refers to movement in general and doesn’t specify whether the move is permanent or where it’s going to or from. Animals, for example, often migrate.
- Grammar: Used without a specific direction (no “from” or “to” is needed), and it can apply to both people and animals.
- Birds migrate south in the winter. (general movement)
- Many Easterners migrated west during the California gold rush.
- Many New Yorkers migrate to Florida for the winter.
Emigrate
- Definition: To leave one’s country or region to live in another.
- Usage: “Emigrate” focuses on the act of leaving a place. When someone emigrates, they move away from their home country.
- Grammar: Usually followed by “from” to indicate the place the person is leaving.
- She emigrated from Brazil last year. (left Brazil)
- My grandparents emigrated from Italy.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger emigrated from Austria.
Immigrate
- Definition: To move into a new country or region to live there permanently.
- Usage: “Immigrate” focuses on the act of entering and settling in a new country. It emphasizes the arrival.
- Grammar: Usually followed by “to” or “into” to indicate the destination country.
- They immigrated to Canada in 2010. (moved into Canada)
- My grandparents immigrated to the United States in the 1920s.
- Albert Einstein immigrated to the United States in 1933.
Key Differences:
- Migrate refers to movement in general, without specifying direction or permanency.
- Emigrate emphasizes leaving a country or region.
- Immigrate emphasizes entering a new country or region.
In simpler terms:
Immigrate = Entering a new country.
Migrate = Moving, not necessarily to or from a specific country.
Emigrate = Leaving a country.