If you are in doubt about the meanings or functions of the words “eminent” and “imminent”, this article comes as a quick solution. You will easily understand how best to use them and what each means, so read carefully!
The word “eminent” is an adjective that is used to describe someone who is famous, respected, and distinguished in a particular field, such as an eminent scientist or an eminent scholar. It can also be used to describe something that is outstanding or noteworthy, as in “an eminent achievement.”
On the other hand, “imminent” is also an adjective, but it is used to describe something that is about to happen or is impending, often with a sense of urgency or immediacy. For example, “There is an imminent threat of a storm” or “The company is facing imminent bankruptcy.”
Before we go on to talk about how to use eminent and imminent in a sentence, let’s take a look at the meanings of the two words.
What Is The Meaning of Eminent?
A person or thing that is eminent stands out above others in a way that is usually conspicuous, like a person who is exceptional in their field, or a performer of whom one easily takes notice.
What Is The Meaning of Imminent?
Imminent describes something about to happen very soon. Sometimes, but not always, it is specifically applied to something that looms as dreaded or frightening, as in a disaster.
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What Is The Difference Between Eminent and Imminent?
Both “eminent” and “imminent” are adjectives, used to describe something. “Eminent” describes a quality, whereas “imminent” describes a characteristic. Eminent indicates someone of high status. While imminent indicates something about to happen soon.
So, regardless of their actual meanings, “imminent” and “eminent” are extremely similar, from their spellings to their uses and parts of speech.
Now you know the slight difference between the two words, the best way to remember their meanings is to look at their genesis. “Eminent” is an adjective, but it did not exist by itself; rather, it was derived from the noun “eminence”. In contrast, “imminent” is an adjective that exists on its own, with a distinct meaning and no origin in any other element of speech.
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When Do We Use “eminent” In a Sentence?
“Eminent” describes the quality of being important, famous and respected, usually for something they achieved or did, for their intelligence or their achievements. The best clue to the signification of this adjective is the noun from which it was formed. “Eminence” is the way people address their leader, usually a king or a person with a high and important position in a hierarchy.
Example
Please consider his advice, it must be valuable, given his reputation as an eminent philosopher. – “Eminent” here is used as an adjective describing somebody famous and respected.
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When Do We Use “imminent” In a Sentence?
“Imminent” is a simple adjective, less formal than “eminent” and more frequently used in the usual English vocabulary. It describes something that is about to happen, a situation arriving that cannot be stopped.
Example:
Please think fast about a cure, because there is an imminent danger! – “Imminent” is an adjective describing something coming or happening very soon.
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How To Remember The Difference Between Eminent and Imminent
Sets of three homophones that are all the same part of speech are always confusing. Luckily, there is a simple trick to remember when to choose imminent, eminent, or immanent.
Here is a helpful trick to remember imminent vs. eminent.
Eminent begins with the same letter as its synonym esteemed. By remembering that both of these words begin with E, you can mentally link eminent with its meaning.
Likewise, imminent has one more I than immanent. Since imminent means impending, another I word, you can use the same technique to remember this word’s meaning, as well.
FAQs On Eminent vs Imminent
Some synonyms for “eminent” include distinguished, renowned, prominent, notable, and esteemed.
Some popular synonyms for “imminent” are impending, forthcoming, approaching, and looming.
Both “eminent” and “imminent” are adjectives, used to describe something. “Eminent” describes a quality, whereas “imminent” describes a characteristic. Eminent indicates someone of high status. While imminent indicates something about to happen soon.
Conclusion
“Eminent” and “imminent” are adjectives, however they are not synonymous. They cannot be confused since their lexical meanings are completely different: “eminent” expresses the quality of being famous and revered, whereas “imminent” denotes something that will happen very soon. These are the only short meanings you should remember in order to avoid using them incorrectly.
References
- writingexplained.org – Eminent vs. Imminent: What’s the Difference?
- grammar.com – Eminent vs. Imminent
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