Emigrants: meaning, definitions and examples

people leaving their own country to settle in another

Emigrants are individuals who choose to leave their country of origin to seek a better life elsewhere. They often face challenges such as adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life. Emigration can be driven by various factors, including economic opportunities, political instability, or personal reasons.

expatriates, migrants, settlers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
emigrants	Used when referring to people who leave their country to settle permanently in another country. It focuses on the act of leaving one's own country. Many emigrants left Ireland during the famine to seek a better life in America
migrants	A general term used to describe people who move from one place to another, either within a country or between countries. It can be temporary or permanent and does not specify the direction of the move. Seasonal migrants travel to the region every year to work on the farms
expatriates	Used when referring to people who live outside their native country, often temporarily and often for work. It does not necessarily imply permanent relocation. The company has many expatriates working in their overseas offices
settlers	Used when referring to people who move to a new area to live there permanently, often implying the establishment of a new community. Historically, it's associated with colonization. The early settlers faced many challenges in establishing a new community in the wilderness

Examples of usage

• Many emigrants leave their homes in search of better job prospects.

• Emigrants often experience feelings of homesickness and nostalgia for their homeland.

• The history of many countries is shaped by waves of emigrants seeking new opportunities.

• Emigrants contribute to the cultural diversity and richness of their new countries.

• Emigrants may face discrimination and challenges in integrating into their new communities.