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Emigration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emigration

[หŒษ›mษชหˆษกreษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

movement of people

Emigration is the act of leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another; moving abroad.

Synonyms

expatriation, migration, relocation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
emigration

Used when discussing the act of leaving one's country to live in another, often permanently.

  • Her emigration to Canada was finalized last year
  • The government reported a rise in emigration rates
migration

Used broadly to describe the movement of people or animals from one place to another, which can be either temporary or permanent.

  • Seasonal migration of birds is a fascinating phenomenon
  • Economic factors often drive human migration
relocation

Refers to the act of moving to a new place to live or work, generally implying a change of residence within the same country or for a job.

  • The company's relocation policy covers moving expenses
  • Her relocation to a new city was challenging but rewarding
expatriation

Refers to the process of leaving one's home country to live abroad, often because of work or personal reasons.

  • His expatriation was a result of his new job in Germany
  • The company offered support for employees considering expatriation

Examples of usage

  • Many people choose emigration to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
  • Emigration can be a difficult decision to make, leaving behind family and friends.
Context #2 | Noun

migration for a specific reason

Emigration can also refer to the specific act of leaving one's country due to political, economic, or social reasons.

Synonyms

displacement, exile, refugee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
emigration

Use when referring to the act of leaving one's own country to live in another country.

  • Economic hardship forced many residents into emigration.
  • Her familyโ€™s emigration to Canada was a significant turning point in their lives.
exile

Use when someone is forced to live outside their native country, typically for political or punitive reasons. It has a negative connotation.

  • He lived in exile for many years after the coup.
  • Political opponents were often sent into exile to neutralize their influence.
refugee

Use when referring to a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

  • The refugee camp was crowded with families escaping the conflict.
  • She spent several years as a refugee before being granted asylum.
displacement

Use when referring to people being forced to leave their home or place, usually because of war, environmental disasters, or development projects.

  • The earthquake caused the displacement of thousands of families.
  • Displacement due to the dam construction has affected several villages.

Examples of usage

  • Political emigration often involves seeking asylum in another country.
  • Economic emigration may result from lack of job opportunities in one's home country.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'emigrare', which means 'to move away'.
  • In the 19th and early 20th centuries, millions emigrated from Europe to America for better opportunities.
  • The Great Migration involved African Americans moving from the rural South to urban areas in the North during the early 20th century.

Sociology

  • Emigration influences cultural diversity, as newcomers bring their traditions and practices to the host country.
  • The reasons for emigration often include seeking jobs, escaping conflict, or reuniting with family.
  • Brain drain occurs when highly skilled individuals emigrate, impacting the country they leave behind.

Psychology

  • Emigrants often experience a mix of excitement and anxiety about starting life in a new place.
  • The process of adjusting to a new culture is known as acculturation, where individuals adopt the host cultureโ€™s norms and practices.
  • Feelings of homesickness can be common, as emigrants may miss their original home and loved ones.

Economics

  • Emigration can lead to remittances, where emigrants send money back home, supporting family members and boosting the original countryโ€™s economy.
  • Countries benefit from the inflow of skilled immigrants who can fill labor shortages in various sectors.
  • Conversely, emigration can lead to a decline in local labor forces and economic challenges in the home country.

Literature

  • Emigration has been a popular theme in literature, exploring the struggles and triumphs of those seeking a new life.
  • Famous works like 'The Grapes of Wrath' depict the harsh realities of families emigrating in search of a better future.
  • Many autobiographies by emigrants share personal stories of courage, adaptation, and the pursuit of dreams.

Origin of 'emigration'

The word 'emigration' is derived from the Latin word 'emigrare', which means 'to remove'. The concept of emigration has been present throughout human history, with people moving from one place to another in search of better opportunities, safety, or a new life. Emigration has played a significant role in shaping the demographics and cultures of various regions around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,925 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.