emanate

USAGE SUMMARY

'emanate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that radiates from a source. For example: "A feeling of contentment emanated from the happy family gathered around the dinner table."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Plotinus' Enneads, the founding text of Neoplatonist philosophy, The One contains a will which is not separate from itself (Enneads, vi 8.21), and precedes the emanation of Nous (The Intellect/Intelligence) a secondary entity from which all lower beings emanate.

SEP

"At times it has been slightly depressing" he says, to hear the sorts of headline-seeking soundbites that emanate from ministers so often.

The Guardian

With elections looming on 22 September, few respondents expected a big change in policy to emanate from Berlin.

The Guardian

These are conceipts that seem to emanate from the swirling depths of the imagination, in the places where the strangest, most wonderful dreams reside.

The Guardian - Film

The sounds of drills and saws emanate from upstairs windows and back gardens.

The Economist

The demand that American presidents emanate this sort of blithe nationalism therefore does have a racist and probably sexist upshot, even if there is no bigotry behind it.

The Economist

Nonetheless, he suggests mischievously that the Americans should "show a bit of self-discipline and not misunderstand their geographic proximity" (the Treasury is a mere four blocks from the IMF .Nor is Mr Köhler a fan of the detailed reform blueprints that emanate from the G7 group of finance ministers.

The Economist

Whoever sacked him, it seems likely that it was because he exceeded his brief.Clearly, parts of Iran's fractured political establishment are all too ready to sabotage the efforts of any other part to win the glory that might possibly emanate from opening a dialogue with America so long, that is, as Iran succeeds in enhancing its prestige in the process.

The Economist

But this would only weaken the currency against sterling, and perhaps increase inflation, as the 55% of the country's consumer goods that emanate from Britain would become more expensive.

The Economist

Others emanate from outside the region: the demand for drugs flowing into the United States, and the supply of guns flowing out of it.

The Economist

He has given a glimpse of the right strategy by declaring that "we have a chance to move beyond the...command and control era of environmental policy, where all wisdom seemed to emanate out of Washington, DC...we can move beyond that through technology".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emanate" when you want to emphasize the origin or source of something, particularly when the source is not immediately obvious or when the thing originating is abstract, such as an idea or feeling.

Common error

While "emanate" is a perfectly valid word, it's more suited for formal or academic writing. Avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "come from" or "originate from" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The verb "emanate" functions primarily to indicate the origin or source of something. It suggests that something issues or flows from a particular place or thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is used to describe how something radiates from a source. Examples from Ludwig show "sounds of drills and saws "emanating" from upstairs windows" or how "fragrance "emanates" from flowers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "emanate" is a versatile verb primarily used to describe something that originates or issues from a specific source. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use in describing how things radiate from a source. Predominantly found in formal and scientific contexts, as evidenced by examples from sources such as The Economist, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, "emanate" serves the purpose of emphasizing origins and processes. While grammatically sound and frequently employed in specific registers, remember that its formal tone makes it less suitable for informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "come from" or "originate from" may be more appropriate in casual conversations. The analysis shows that the word is very common, but the usage should depend on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originate

Focuses on the beginning or creation point, suggesting a source from which something starts.

stem from

Implies a root or cause, highlighting the causal relationship between the source and the outcome.

issue from

Suggests a formal or official release from a source, often used in legal or bureaucratic contexts.

arise from

Indicates an emergence or development from a particular condition or circumstance.

proceed from

Emphasizes a sequential development or logical consequence from a starting point.

spring from

Conveys a sense of sudden or rapid appearance from a source, often used metaphorically.

derive from

Highlights the extraction or obtaining of something from a source, often in terms of benefits or resources.

flow from

Suggests a continuous and smooth movement from a source, often used for abstract concepts like ideas or influence.

radiate

Implies the spreading of energy or influence from a central point, often used for emotions or qualities.

exude

Describes the conspicuous display of a quality or feeling, often suggesting abundance or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "emanate" in a sentence?

"Emanate" is typically used to describe something that issues or originates from a source. For example, "Light "emanates" from the sun" or "A sense of calm "emanated" from her presence."

What's a simpler alternative to "emanate"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using "come from", "originate from", or "issue from" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "emanates from" a person?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. "Emanate" can be used to describe qualities, feelings, or even ideas that originate or seem to flow from a person, as in "Confidence "emanated from" her every word."

What is the difference between "emanate" and "radiate"?

"Emanate" emphasizes the origin or source, while "radiate" emphasizes the outward spread or diffusion. For example, "Heat "radiates" from the fire", focuses on the spreading heat, whereas, "The idea "emanated" from a single source", focuses on the origin of the idea.