imminent - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
imminent Word Meanings
- about to happen
- occurring soon
- immediate danger or risk
imminent Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
imminent Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪmɪnənt/
US
/ˈɪmɪnənt/
imminent Word Etymology
imminent: im- (not) + minent (threatening, from 'minere' meaning to jut out or threaten). Originated from Latin through Old French to English. Picture a storm cloud looming over you, signaling rain just moments away.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I shift my weight and move my hands, settling into readiness. A small lever hums in my grip, and I push it; the machine answers with a quiet whirr. The moment feels tense, I adjust my stance to keep my balance. What happens next seems imminent, and I hold the line, waiting for the signal.
Real Context
Imminent describes something that is likely to happen very soon, often with a sense of urgency or danger. It can refer to events, threats, deadlines, weather, or opportunities that appear to be just around the corner. Imminent emphasizes speed and immediacy more than words like soon or upcoming, and it often carries a warning that action may be necessary. In everyday English you might talk about an imminent rainstorm, an imminent deadline at work, or an imminent threat to safety. It is common in formal writing and in news reports when the speaker wants to stress that something adverse is about to unfold.
Usage Reminders
- - Use imminent for things about to happen with urgency.
- - Do not use for distant events or vague plans.
- - Pair with nouns like danger, threat, deadline, or weather.
- - It often implies action or preparedness is needed.
- - It is common in formal writing and news reports.
Common Misconceptions
- It means something will definitely happen soon, not just likely.
- It is the same as soon or upcoming, just stronger.
- It cannot describe non urgent events or neutral topics.
- It should never modify people, only events or situations.
- Imminent cannot be used in positive or neutral contexts.
Thinking Differences
Native English speakers often connect imminent with explicit urgency and potential danger, which helps learners spot high-stakes situations quickly but may mislead them into overusing it for near events that are not risky.
Learning Tips
- Spot imminent in news reports to see how urgency is conveyed.
- Compare imminent with soon and upcoming to feel subtle differences.
- Use with danger, threat, deadline, weather for strong impact.
- Avoid overusing in neutral or casual contexts.
- Practice rewriting sentences from soon to imminent to feel nuance.
- Check collocations like imminent danger and imminent deadline.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'imminent' correctly?
A.He was feeling far from imminent.
B.An imminent storm was approaching.
C.She was happy for the imminent news.
D.The project progressed slowly but not imminent.
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym for 'imminent':
A.Distant
B.Evident
C.Possible
D.Imperative
Step 4: Opposite Words
Choose the opposite for 'imminent':
A.Current
B.Advance
C.Delayed
D.Fast
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would 'imminent' be used?
A.Discussing a pending deadline at work
B.Describing a historical event
C.Talking about future plans
D.Sharing a childhood memory
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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