emit
C1formal, technical, academic
Definition
Meaning
to send out (something, such as light, sound, or a substance) from a source.
To produce or express something abstract, such as a sound, a feeling, or a statement; to issue or release something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in scientific, environmental, and technical contexts (e.g., emit gases, emit light). The object is typically the thing being sent out (e.g., gas, sound, radiation), not the recipient. Implies a source from which something originates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major spelling or grammatical differences. Usage and frequency are consistent across both variants.
Connotations
Neutral in both, with strong technical/scientific associations.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in environmental/policy discourse (e.g., 'emit carbon dioxide'), but difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[emit] + [noun phrase] (transitive)[noun phrase] + [that emits] + [noun phrase] (relative clause)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “emit a sigh of relief (literal, not a true idiom)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports on corporate emissions and environmental impact (e.g., 'The factory emits 500 tonnes of CO2 annually').
Academic
Common in physics, chemistry, environmental science, and engineering texts (e.g., 'A black body emits radiation across a spectrum').
Everyday
Less frequent; used for light, sound, or smell (e.g., 'The old router emits a faint buzzing sound').
Technical
Core term in electronics (emit a signal), thermodynamics (emit heat), and environmental monitoring (emit pollutants).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new regulations aim to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide vehicles are allowed to emit.
- The device emits a high-frequency pulse to deter pests.
American English
- The old power plant emits too much sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
- The satellite emits a steady radio signal for tracking.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form for 'emit')
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form for 'emit')
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective is 'emissive', e.g., 'emissive properties')
American English
- N/A (The adjective is 'emissive', e.g., 'an emissive display screen')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The lamp emits a warm light.
- The whistle emits a loud sound.
- Volcanoes emit ash and gases during an eruption.
- The machine emits a beep when it finishes.
- Scientists measure how much methane livestock emit.
- The radio tower emits signals that can be received for miles.
- The policy penalises industries that emit excessive greenhouse gases.
- Certain minerals emit faint radiation, which can be detected with specialised equipment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EMIT' as 'Exit + MIT' (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) – something exiting from a source, like a graduate from MIT.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE-PATH-GOAL (something moves from a source out into the environment); CONTAINER (the source releases its contents).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'omit' (пропускать).
- The Russian 'излучать' is narrower (usually for light/radiation). 'Emit' is broader (gases, sounds).
- Do not use 'emit' for sending a person or a message; use 'send' or 'issue'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The company emitted a press release.' (Better: 'issued' or 'released').
- Incorrect: 'She emitted her feelings.' (Unnatural. Use 'expressed' or 'voiced').
- Incorrect preposition: 'emit to the air' (Use 'emit into the air' or just 'emit').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'emit' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common for pollutants, it's neutral. We emit light, sound, heat, and signals, which can be positive or neutral.
The main noun forms are 'emission' (the act or an instance of emitting) and 'emitter' (something that emits).
Yes, but typically for sounds or involuntary reactions (e.g., 'He emitted a groan of pain'). It is not used for deliberate communication like speeches.
'Emit' focuses on the source sending something out. 'Transmit' often implies sending something from one point to another, especially signals, data, or disease.