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Commonly Confused

How to Pronounce emigrate vs immigrate

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Emigrate’ starts with ⁄ɛ⁄ meaning to leave one's homeland; ‘immigrate’ starts with ⁄ɪ⁄ meaning to enter a new country permanently.

Contrast: Initial vowel: ⁄ˈɛm.ə.ɡreɪt⁄ vs ⁄ˈɪm.ə.ɡreɪt⁄

emigrate

⁄ˈɛm.ɪˌɡreɪt⁄

Syllables

EM·i·grate

Definition:

To leave the country in which one lives, especially one's native country, in order to reside elsewhere.

“Forced to emigrate in a body to America.”

immigrate

⁄ˈɪm.ɪ.ɡreɪt⁄

Syllables

IM·mi·grate

Definition:

To move into a foreign country to stay permanently.

“He knows hardship. He has experienced life in a cold-water flat in Moldova before he immigrated to the States.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: emigrate vs immigrate

What is the difference in pronunciation between "emigrate" and "immigrate"?

‘Emigrate’ starts with ⁄ɛ⁄ meaning to leave one's homeland; ‘immigrate’ starts with ⁄ɪ⁄ meaning to enter a new country permanently.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "emigrate" vs "immigrate"?

"emigrate" has 3 syllable(s) (em · i · grate) with stress on "EM". "immigrate" has 3 syllable(s) (im · mi · grate) with stress on "IM".

Why do English learners often confuse "emigrate" and "immigrate"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Initial vowel: ⁄ˈɛm.ə.ɡreɪt⁄ vs ⁄ˈɪm.ə.ɡreɪt⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "emigrate" and "immigrate"?

Example for "emigrate": "Forced to emigrate in a body to America." Example for "immigrate": "He knows hardship. He has experienced life in a cold-water flat in Moldova before he immigrated to the States."