Expatriate: meaning, definitions and examples

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expatriate

[ɪksˈpætriət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

living abroad

A person who lives outside their native country, either permanently or temporarily.

Synonyms

emigrant, immigrant, migrant.

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. She became an expatriate after securing a job in Paris. The expatriate community in Tokyo organizes regular cultural events.
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. The emigrant left his homeland in search of better opportunities. During the early 20th century, many emigrants moved from Europe to America.
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. As an immigrant, she worked hard to adapt to life in her new country. The government is developing new policies to support immigrants.
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. Migrant workers play a crucial role in the agriculture industry. The town has seen an influx of migrants looking for work.

Examples of usage

Many expatriates find it challenging to adjust to a new culture.
He has been an expatriate for over a decade.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

send into exile

To banish or exile someone from their native country.

Synonyms

banish, deport, exile.

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. She became an expatriate after accepting a job offer in Switzerland. Expatriates often face challenges adjusting to new cultures.
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. The poet spent many years in exile after the revolution. She was exiled due to her political beliefs.
banish	Used when someone is formally or informally forced to leave a place, often with a negative connotation implying punishment. The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom. He was banished from the community for breaking the rules.
deport	Used in legal or governmental contexts when a foreigner is legally forced to leave a country because of violation of laws or regulations. The government decided to deport the illegal immigrants. After his visa expired, he was deported back to his home country.

Examples of usage

The dictator expatriated all political dissidents.
The criminal was expatriated to a remote island.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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 one’s roots.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "expatriate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expatriado

🇮🇳 प्रवासी

🇩🇪 Expatriate

🇮🇩 ekspatriat

🇺🇦 експатріат

🇵🇱 ekspatriant

🇯🇵 国外在住者

🇫🇷 expatrié

🇪🇸 expatriado

🇹🇷 gurbetçi

🇰🇷 외국 거주자

🇸🇦 مغترب

🇨🇿 exulant

🇸🇰 exulant

🇨🇳 外派人员

🇸🇮 izseljenec

🇮🇸 útlaginn

🇰🇿 шетелдік

🇬🇪 ექსპატრიანტი

🇦🇿 mühacir

🇲🇽 expatriado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,019, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19016 felling
19017 intemperance
19018 spied
19019 expatriate
19020 siphon
19021 adobe
19022 chatted
...