What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
migrate
Example
The birds migrate south for the winter. [migrate: verb]
Example
Many people migrate to the city in search of better job opportunities. [migrate: verb]
emigrate
Example
My grandparents emigrated from Italy to the United States. [emigrated: past tense]
Example
Many people emigrate from war-torn countries in search of safety and security. [emigrate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Migrate is more commonly used than emigrate in everyday language. Migrate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while emigrate is less common and refers specifically to leaving one's home country.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between migrate and emigrate?
Emigrate is typically associated with a more formal tone, while migrate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
