ENGLISH
REFERENCE

emigration

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɛməˈɡɹeɪʃən// UK //ˌɛmɪɡɹˈeɪʃən// em·i·gra·tion

n. the act of leaving your own country to live permanently in another one.

n. the act of departing from one's native country or region to settle permanently elsewhere. Often contrasted with immigration, which focuses on the arrival rather than the departure.


SIMPLE

Economic hardship led to a high rate of emigration from the region.

CONTEXTUAL

The government is concerned that the emigration of young doctors will lead to a shortage of medical staff.

COMPLEX

Mass emigration during the nineteenth century fundamentally reshaped the demographic landscape of rural Europe, as millions sought better opportunities across the Atlantic.

Synonyms
Origin

From Late Latin stem of emigratio, from e (“out”) + migrare (“to move, remove, depart”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to specific instances or waves of movement.

Pitfall

emigration to the countryemigration from the countryEmigration focuses on the point of departure and takes 'from'; immigration focuses on the destination and takes 'to'.

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