Imminent vs. eminent (vs. immanent)
For today’s lesson, we’re taking on a trio of homophones: eminent, imminent and immanent. What do these words mean, and what’s the correct way to use them? Let’s discover the answers, together.
What do imminent/eminent/immanent mean?
Besides the shared etymology of these words, they also all happen to be adjectives or describing words. That said, the meaning of each is different, and so they are not interchangeable with each other (and each should be used in the appropriate contexts). Let’s take a look at the dictionary definitions for imminent/eminent/immanent:
- For something to be imminent, this means it’s “coming or likely to happen very soon: “an imminent disaster/danger“; “We are awaiting their imminent arrival“.
- Eminent describes something or someone as “famous, respected, or important: “An eminent historian“; “many eminent surgeons are on the hospital’s staff“.
- Something that is immanent means, “that the thing has that quality, and cannot exist or be imagined without it.” (Collins Dictionary, immanent). For example, ‘beauty is not something imposed but something immanent‘—Anthony Burgess
Imminent, eminent and immanent
| Adjective | Sentence examples |
| imminent | We are awaiting their imminent arrival. |
| eminent | The conference featured talks by eminent scientists from around the world. |
| immanent | The artist aims to capture the beauty of immanent patterns in nature. |
The history of imminent/eminent/immanent
English is an undeniably confusing language—with so many similar sounding words that mean completely different things, it’s bound to cause confusion. Not always, but typically there is some logic or reason behind the confusion that helps explain why words are as they are.
In the case of imminent/eminent/immanent, they are all etymologically Latin, (though were brought down to Modern English from French) and derive from the root word minere, meaning to “jut out”, or ”to project, overhang”. Where each respective word diverges is when we include the prefix e- and im-. The prefix in- “into, in, on, upon”, where ex from imminent means “out”, (as in, to stand out) and so it is the prefixes of the words that lends them their unique meaning.
“Imminent”, used in sentences
| Examples: “imminent’ shown in sentences |
| Dark clouds gathered overhead, signalling the imminent arrival of a heavy rainstorm. The company had to take swift action due to the imminent threat of a hostile takeover. With the volcano showing increased activity, the town’s residents were worried about the imminent eruption. The doctor warned the patient to make immediate lifestyle changes to prevent the imminent health crisis. The government issued evacuation orders to the coastal areas in anticipation of the imminent hurricane. |
“Eminent”, used in sentences
| Examples: “eminent’ shown in sentences |
| The university is known for its eminent faculty members who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The city’s skyline is dominated by the towering presence of an eminent skyscraper. The author’s latest book was praised by many eminent literary critics for its profound themes and elegant prose. The committee invited several eminent economists to provide their insights on the current financial situation. |
“Immanent”, used in sentence examples
| Examples: “immanent’ shown in sentences |
| The philosopher argued that the divine is immanent in every aspect of the natural world. In Eastern philosophies, the concept of the Tao emphasizes the immanent harmony of the universe. The novel explores the idea that personal growth is an immanent process, intricately tied to one’s experiences. The poet’s work often delves into the immanent connections between human emotions and the natural world. |
Synonyms of eminent
- astral
- illustrious
- notable
- preeminent
- signal
- bright
- luminous
- noteworthy
- prestigious
- distinguished
- superior
- outstanding
- noble
- redoubtable (worthy of respect)
Imminent, synonyms
- impending
- looming
- threatening
- approaching
- close
- near
- fast approaching
- at hand
- about to happen
Immanent, synonyms
- intrinsic
- inherent
- innate
- built-in
- latent
- fundamental
- ingrained
- natural
- basic
Origin of imminent/eminent/immanent
1520s, from French imminent (14c.) and directly from Latin imminentem (nominative imminens) “overhanging; impending,” present participle of imminere “to overhang, lean towards,” hence “be near to,” also “threaten, menace, impend, be at hand, be about to happen”.
Early 15c., “standing or rising above other places; exceeding other things in quality or degree;” from Old French éminent “prominent” (13c.) or directly from Latin eminentem (nominative eminens) “standing out, projecting, prominent, high,” figuratively “distinguished, distinctive”.
“Indwelling, remaining within, inherent,” 1530s, via French immanent (14c.) or directly from Late Latin immanens, present participle of immanere “to dwell in, remain in,” from assimilated form of in- “into, in, on, upon”
In review: imminent vs. eminent vs. immanent
- “Eminent” describes someone or something of high reputation, distinction, or significance within a particular field or context.
- “Imminent” describes something that is about to happen very soon, often suggesting a sense of urgency or impending occurrence.
- “Immanent” refers to something that is inherent, intrinsic, or existing within something else, often in a spiritual or philosophical context.
Read about other commonly confused words
- Is it Elude or Allude?
- When To Use Infer vs. Imply
- What’s the Difference Between Invoke and Evoke?
- Is it Allot, A lot or Alot?
- Which is it: Allusion or Illusion?
- Insure, Ensure or Assure?
- Averse or Adverse?
- “Accept” vs. “Except”: What’s the Difference?
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of imminent.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/imminent. Accessed 11 August, 2023.
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of eminent.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/eminent. Accessed 11 August, 2023.
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of immanent.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/immanent. Accessed 11 August, 2023.
