Word
emit
US/ɪˈmɪt/
UK/ɪmˈɪt/
Definition
v. to send out something like light, heat, sound, or a gas into the air.
v. to produce and discharge something, especially gas, radiation, or signals, from a source. In technical contexts, it refers to the release of energy or information into the surrounding environment.
Examples
“The old factory continues to emit thick black smoke.”
“The device is designed to emit a high-frequency signal that only certain sensors can detect.”
“While the sun emits a broad spectrum of radiation, the Earth's atmosphere filters out the most harmful ultraviolet rays before they reach the surface.”
Examples
simple
“The old factory continues to emit thick black smoke.”
contextual
“The device is designed to emit a high-frequency signal that only certain sensors can detect.”
complex
“While the sun emits a broad spectrum of radiation, the Earth's atmosphere filters out the most harmful ultraviolet rays before they reach the surface.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the substance or energy being released.
Real-World Examples
“UV radiation is emitted by the Sun and penetrates the Earth's atmosphere.” “Ovens and cookers emit a lot of heat into the home during and after their use.” Etymology
From Latin ēmittō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/emit