Cool MateForeigner vs Immigrant
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Foreigner
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Immigrant
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
| Foreigner | Immigrant | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɒrənə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɔːrənər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪmɪɡrənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪmɪɡrənt/"]/ |
| Meaning | A person from another country. | A person who comes to live in a country from another country. |
| Example | The fact that I was a foreigner was a big disadvantage. | The immigrant came to the country seeking a better life. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | foreigners living abroad, foreigners in a country, welcome foreigners | illegal, undocumented, legal, flood, influx, tide, accept, welcome, attract, arrive, enter something, move to something, community, family, generation, immigrant from, immigrant to |
| Antonyms | local, native, citizen, resident | emigrant |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'foreigner' vs 'foreigners' (plural), Used inappropriately in sensitive contexts, Mispronunciation due to unfamiliar syllable stress | Confused with 'emigrant', which refers to someone leaving a country., Using 'immigrant' as a verb., Overgeneralizing experiences of immigrants without considering individual stories. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Be cautious as it can carry a negative connotation in some cultures. It's suitable to use when discussing travel, immigration, or cultural differences but might be inappropriate when used in a derogatory way. | Use 'immigrant' when talking about someone who moves to a different country. It is neutral and can be used in formal or informal contexts. Avoid using it to stereotype or make assumptions about a person's background. |
Frequently asked questions: Foreigner vs Immigrant
What's the difference between Foreigner and Immigrant?
Foreigner: A person from another country. Immigrant: A person who comes to live in a country from another country.
Which is more advanced: Foreigner and Immigrant?
Foreigner is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Foreigner and Immigrant the same CEFR level?
Foreigner: C1, Immigrant: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Foreigner and Immigrant?
Foreigner: noun, Immigrant: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Foreigner: The fact that I was a foreigner was a big disadvantage. Immigrant: The immigrant came to the country seeking a better life.
Can I use Foreigner and Immigrant interchangeably?
Not always. Foreigner and Immigrant are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.