Imminent
/ˈɪmɪnənt/
Definitions
About to happen; likely to occur at any moment.
/ˈɪmɪnənt/
About to happen or likely to occur very soon.
The company announced an imminent product launch.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for a birthday cake, and it's almost ready. 'Imminent' is like the second before the baker brings it out – it's about to happen! Like when your best friend is on their way over to your house.
👶 For kids: Means it's going to happen really, really soon!
More Examples
The doctors prepared for the imminent arrival of the ambulance.
With the war raging on, the danger felt imminent.
How It's Used
"The storm is imminent, so we should head inside."
"Officials warned of an imminent attack."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *imminēre* (“to overhang, threaten”), from *in-* (“in, on”) + *minēre* (“to project, threaten”).
The word was frequently used in 17th and 18th century literature, often to describe impending doom or danger.
Memory tip
Think of a MINUTE before something happens. The event is IMMINENT.
Word Origin
"to overhang, threaten"