How Do You Spell IMMINENT?

Pronunciation: [ˈɪmɪnənt] (IPA)

The word "imminent" is often misspelled as "eminent" due to their similar pronunciation. However, the correct spelling is IM-MI-NENT, with /ˈɪm.ɪ.nənt/ as its IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to something that is about to happen or is likely to occur soon. It comes from the Latin word "imminere," which means "to overhang." To avoid confusion and ensure clear communication, it is important to spell "imminent" correctly in written and spoken language.

IMMINENT Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "imminent" refers to something that is about to happen or occur, typically in the near future. It describes a situation or event that is impending, approaching, or ready to take place with great likelihood or without delay. The word emphasizes the sense of immediacy or urgency attached to the event or situation, indicating that it is impending and that it could happen at any moment.

    "Impending" is a synonym often used interchangeably with "imminent," as both words convey the idea of an event that is about to occur. However, "imminent" specifically accentuates the closeness or immediacy of the situation, underlining its imminent nature. This term is often employed when discussing potential threats, dangers, or negative occurrences, highlighting the urgency or warning associated with them.

    For instance, if a storm is imminent, it suggests that the weather conditions are quickly deteriorating, and the storm is expected to arrive in the very near future. Similarly, the use of "imminent" might be applicable to describe a rapidly approaching deadline, a pending disaster, or an impending change of circumstances.

    In summary, "imminent" describes a situation or event that is impending, approaching, or ready to happen without delay or with great likelihood, emphasizing its sense of immediacy and urgency.

  2. Impending; threatening; at hand.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for IMMINENT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for IMMINENT

Etymology of IMMINENT

The word "imminent" originates from the Latin word "imminens", which is the present participle form of the verb "imminere". "Imminere" is composed of the prefix "im-" (meaning "in" or "into") and the verb "minere" (meaning "to project" or "to jut out"). Hence, "imminens" carries the sense of "hanging over" or "threatening" something. Over time, the word evolved in English and came to represent something that is about to happen or occur.

Similar spelling words for IMMINENT

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: