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Imminent

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. About to happen; impending.
2. Close at hand, often used to describe something that is about to occur very soon.
3. Threatening or likely to occur at any moment, especially in a negative or urgent context.

History and Origin

The word “imminent” comes from the Latin imminens, the present participle of imminere, meaning “to project” or “to hang over.” This word was used in the early 17th century to describe something that is hanging over or approaching closely, particularly in the sense of an event that was likely to happen soon. The modern meaning retains this idea of something that is about to take place, especially when there is a sense of urgency or inevitability.

Detailed Explanation

“Imminent” refers to an event or occurrence that is so close in time that it is expected to happen very soon. It often carries a sense of urgency or impending danger, particularly in the context of negative events, such as a disaster, a storm, or a threat. However, it can also be used to describe positive events that are approaching quickly. The word suggests that the event is unavoidable and will occur in the near future, sometimes with little time to prepare.

Example Sentences

1. The storm clouds gathered, and the rain was imminent.
2. The company’s bankruptcy was imminent, causing panic among employees.
3. His imminent promotion was announced at the meeting.
4. The end of the semester is imminent, and students are scrambling to finish assignments.
5. With the deadline imminent, she worked late into the night to finish the project.
6. The imminent arrival of the new product has generated excitement among customers.
7. The police warned residents about the imminent threat of flooding.
8. His imminent departure left the team feeling anxious and unprepared.
9. The imminent danger of the wildfires led to the evacuation of nearby communities.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Impending – Likely to occur soon, especially referring to something approaching rapidly.
2. Approaching – Coming nearer in time or distance, often suggesting a near arrival.
3. Near – Close in time or space, suggesting something that will happen soon.
4. Forthcoming – About to happen or appear soon, often used in reference to events or actions.
5. On the horizon – Imminent or about to happen, often used figuratively to indicate something in the near future.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Urgent – Requiring immediate action or attention, often related to imminent situations.
2. Pressing – Needing to be dealt with soon or immediately, often in situations of urgency.
3. Critical – Extremely important, often because the event or situation is about to happen soon.
4. Approaching – Coming closer in time or space, often referring to something imminent.
5. Expected – Likely to occur soon, anticipated with certainty.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Immediate – Occurring or requiring action right away, often used for imminent events.
2. Soon – In a short time; happening within a near future timeframe.
3. Impending – Something that is about to happen and is imminent.
4. Close – Near in time or proximity, often used to describe an imminent event.
5. Threatening – Suggesting a danger or harm that is imminent.

Antonyms

1. Distant
2. Remote
3. Delayed
4. Postponed
5. Far-off