What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foreigner
Example
As a foreigner, it can be challenging to navigate the local customs and traditions. [foreigner: noun]
Example
She felt like a foreigner in her own country after living abroad for so long. [foreigner: noun]
immigrant
Example
My grandparents were immigrants who came to this country in search of a better life. [immigrants: noun]
Example
She had to go through a lot of paperwork and interviews to become a legal immigrant. [immigrant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreigner is a more common term than immigrant in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be used in various contexts. Immigrant is a more specific term that is used in the context of migration and citizenship.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foreigner and immigrant?
Both foreigner and immigrant are neutral terms that can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, immigrant may be more commonly used in formal settings such as legal documents and government forms.
