Emigrate & Immigrate
Judy from Cedar wrote,
“Could you explain the difference between the words immigrate, emigrate, and migrate – and when it is proper to
use each one?
The difference between
emigrate and immigrate is a matter of direction. To emigrate is to move OUT OF
a country; let the initial letter –e- stand for exit. To immigrate is to move INTO a country; let the
initial letter –i- stand for into.
Observe that both actions take place in one motion: I emigrate from Ireland as
I immigrate to America.
Both words are based on
migrate. That comes from a Latin word that meant to change residence. To
migrate doesn't necessitate going from one country to an entirely different
one. And in a metaphorical application, migrate can mean to spread or transfer,
and it is not confined to humans.
Available from McFarland & Co.: Word Parts
Dictionary, 2nd edition
Nook edition
Nook edition
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