Expatriate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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expatriate
[ษชksหpรฆtriษt ]
Definitions
living abroad
A person who lives outside their native country, either permanently or temporarily.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expatriate |
This term is best used when referring to someone who lives outside their native country, often for a prolonged period, and especially if they maintain a strong connection with their homeland.
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| emigrant |
Use this term when the focus is on the person leaving their home country to live permanently in another. It highlights the departure aspect.
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| immigrant |
This term is appropriate when discussing someone who has moved to a new country to live there permanently, with the focus on the arrival aspect.
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| migrant |
This word is suitable for describing someone who moves from one place to another, often within a country or temporarily, and may include seasonal workers.
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Examples of usage
- Many expatriates find it challenging to adjust to a new culture.
- He has been an expatriate for over a decade.
send into exile
To banish or exile someone from their native country.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expatriate |
Used to describe someone who has voluntarily left their home country to live in another, often for work or personal reasons.
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| exile |
Often used to describe a person who is forced to live away from their home country, usually for political reasons. It can be voluntary or involuntary but carries a sense of separation and loss.
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| banish |
Used when someone is formally or informally forced to leave a place, often with a negative connotation implying punishment.
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| deport |
Used in legal or governmental contexts when a foreigner is legally forced to leave a country because of violation of laws or regulations.
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Examples of usage
- The dictator expatriated all political dissidents.
- The criminal was expatriated to a remote island.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Context
- Many expatriates form communities in their new countries, often preserving cultural traditions and language.
- Cities with large expatriate populations, like Barcelona and Dubai, have unique cultures that blend local and foreign influences.
- Expatriates often share experiences through social media, creating virtual networks that support each other in adapting to their new homes.
Legal Aspects
- Some countries offer special residency statuses or visas specifically for expatriates, allowing them to work and live legally while retaining ties to their home country.
- Tax laws can affect expatriates significantly; some remain liable for taxes in their home country even while living abroad.
- Expatriation is a legal term that can also refer to the formal renunciation of one's citizenship, which is different from simply living abroad.
Psychological Factors
- Expatriates may experience 'culture shock', which can lead to feelings of isolation or confusion as they adjust to a new environment.
- Research shows that expatriates often experience a 'reverse culture shock' when returning to their home country after a long period away.
- Support systems, including fellow expatriates and local communities, are vital for mental well-being during the transition.
Pop Culture
- Books and movies frequently depict expatriate experiences, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and cross-cultural relationships, such as in 'A Moveable Feast' by Ernest Hemingway.
- Television shows, like 'Emily in Paris', bring light to the humorous and challenging aspects of being an expatriate in a new city.
- The term has become popularized in discussions of global talent, particularly in industries like technology where professionals relocate frequently.
Origin of 'expatriate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'expatriatus', meaning 'to be banished from one's homeland'.
- In the 17th century, the term was used to describe people who left their country voluntarily, often for political reasons.
- The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'away from', while 'patria' means 'fatherland' or 'country', illustrating a clear departure from oneโs roots.
The word 'expatriate' originated in the early 18th century, combining the prefix 'ex-' (out of) and 'patria' (native land). It originally referred to people living abroad, especially for political reasons. Over time, the term has come to encompass anyone living outside their home country, whether by choice or necessity.