emit
gb/ɪmˈɪt/ us/ɪmˈɪt/
B2
English
~ 7700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
send out light, heat, gas, etc.
To send out light, heat, gas, a smell, or noise into the air or space around something.
Usage pattern:
[something] emits [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "emit" with the more common phrasal verb "give off". "Emit" is more formal and is often used in scientific or news contexts, especially about gases, light, and radiation. There is also spelling confusion with "omit" (leave out), which has a completely different meaning.
Synonyms
give off (More informal and common in everyday speech, but usually not used in very technical writing.)
|
release (Focuses more on letting something go free; slightly broader and less tied to light/heat/sound.)
Antonyms
absorb (Describes taking in light, heat, or other energy instead of sending it out.)
|
contain (Emphasizes keeping gas, smell, or energy inside rather than letting it escape.)
Collocations
emit light
|emit heat
|emit sound
|emit fumes
|emit radiation
|emit carbon dioxide
Themes
science
|environment
|technology
|nature
Examples
- Cars and trucks emit large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- The new LED screens emit a bright, clear light even in daylight.
- The old factory was found to be emitting toxic fumes into the river.
- Some radioactive materials emit dangerous levels of radiation for many years.
- The speakers emit a high-pitched tone when they are first turned on.
Learner examples
- These lamps emit a soft, yellow light.
- The machine emits a loud noise when it starts.
- Chimneys can emit smoke into the air.
- Burning coal emits a lot of carbon dioxide.
- The heater emits warm air into the room.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
produce a sound or remark
To make and send out a sound, word, or cry from your mouth or body.
Usage pattern:
[someone or something] emits [a sound/word/cry]
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use "emit" for normal speaking, like *"He emitted that he was tired"*, which is incorrect. For speaking, use "say" or "tell". Use "emit" only for sounds, cries, or very short spoken reactions in more formal or written styles.
Synonyms
utter (A formal word that focuses on speaking sounds or words, often used in similar contexts to this sense of "emit".)
|
let out (More informal; common in everyday speech for sounds like a sigh, scream, or cry.)
Antonyms
silence (As a verb, it means to stop sounds or speech from being made, the opposite of producing them.)
Collocations
emit a sigh
|emit a sound
|emit a low growl
|emit a cry
|emit a high-pitched squeal
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She emitted a small sigh of relief when she heard the good news.
- The animal emitted a low growl when we approached the cage.
- He emitted a strange clicking sound as he tried to get our attention.
- The crowd emitted a loud cheer as the team scored.
- The child emitted a sharp cry when he fell.
Learner examples
- The baby emitted a loud cry.
- He heard the dog emit a deep bark.
- She emitted a long sigh when she sat down.
- The crowd emitted a strong shout of joy.
- The machine suddenly emitted a sharp beep.
Verb
technical
C2
action
3
officially issue money or securities
To officially create and send out new shares, bonds, or money so that people can buy or use them.
Usage pattern:
[an organization] emits [shares/bonds/currency]
Common mistake:
In finance and business, learners should normally use "issue" instead of "emit". Using "emit" in this context can sound overly technical or old-fashioned in everyday business English.
Synonyms
issue (The standard and more common term used in finance and economics; neutral and widely understood.)
Antonyms
withdraw (In finance, refers to taking money, notes, or securities out of circulation, the opposite of putting them into circulation.)
Collocations
emit shares
|emit bonds
|emit securities
|emit banknotes
|emit currency
Themes
business
|finance
Examples
- The central bank has the exclusive right to emit the national currency.
- To finance the project, the company decided to emit a new series of bonds.
- Historically, only certain institutions were allowed to emit banknotes.
Learner examples
- The bank can emit new money.
- The company emitted new shares to raise cash.
- In some countries, only the central bank may emit notes.
- The government emitted bonds to pay for the new road.
Grammar
Dictionary form
emit
IPA
GB/ɪmˈɪt/
US/ɪmˈɪt/
Syllables & stress
emit (1 syllable)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: emit
- 3rd Person Singular: emits
- Present Participle: emitting
- Past: emitted
Word family
Forms
emits
verb
emitting
verb
emitted
verb
Core family
emission
noun B2
Related words
emitter
noun
Negative and opposite forms
absorb
verb A2
absorption
noun B2
Advanced or less common
emissive
adjective
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: emitting Verb
- Irregular past: emitted Verb
Expressions
emit a sigh
1/ɪmˈɪt ə sˈaɪ/
fixed phrase
formal
let out a sigh
To breathe out loudly in a special way that shows a feeling, such as sadness or relief.
Examples
- She emitted a sigh when she saw the long line at the airport.
- He quietly emitted a sigh of relief after the exam ended.
emit a signal
1/ɪmˈɪt ə sˈɪɡnəl/
fixed phrase
technical
send out an electronic signal
To send out an electronic, radio, or other technical signal.
Examples
- The satellite emits a signal that can be picked up by ground stations.
- Each sensor emits a signal when the temperature gets too high.
emit a sound
1/ɪmˈɪt ə sˈaʊnd/
fixed phrase
produce and send out a sound
To make a sound that comes out and can be heard.
Examples
- The device emits a sound when the timer finishes.
- When pressed, the button emits a soft clicking sound.
emit fumes
1/ɪmˈɪt fjˈumz/
fixed phrase
send out smoke or gas
To send out smoke or gas into the air, usually something that may smell bad or be harmful.
Examples
- Old cars often emit fumes that are harmful to health.
- The machine emits fumes when it overheats.
emit light
1/ɪmˈɪt lˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
send out light
To shine or to send out light.
Examples
- These tiny insects emit light to attract mates.
- The screen emits a bright blue light in the dark.