emanate
/ˈem.ə.neɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To come out from a source or to spread from it. It is often used for smells, light, feelings, or ideas.
- Warm light emanated from the window.
- A strong smell emanated from the kitchen.
- Confidence emanated from her voice.
Adinary Nuance
Emanate is more formal than everyday words like “come from” or “spread.” Writers often use it for something that seems to flow outward, such as light, smell, power, or emotion. It sounds more literary or academic than “come out of.”
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phát ra
- Spanish
- emanar
- Chinese
- 发出
- Japanese
- 発する
- Korean
- 발산하다
Etymology
Emanate comes from Latin emanare, meaning “to flow out.” It entered English in the 17th century and kept the idea of something spreading from a source.
Common phrases
emanate fromemanate warmthemanate power
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is emanate formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. People use it more in writing, speeches, and careful speech.
- What is the difference between emanate and emit?
- Both mean to send out something. Emanate is softer and often used for feelings or qualities; emit is more direct and often used for gas, light, or sound.
- Can I say a smell emanates from something?
- Yes. This is a common and natural use, especially in formal writing.
- What preposition goes with emanate?
- The most common phrase is “emanate from.”