When something is imminent, it means it will happen very, very soon. Imagine a dark cloud in the sky; rain is imminent. It's like saying, "Get ready, it's coming now!" We often use it for things that are important or that might be a little scary, like a big storm.
When something is imminent, it means it's going to happen very, very soon.
Imagine a big storm is coming, and the sky is getting dark; you could say the storm is imminent.
It often describes things that are important or even a bit scary, and they are approaching quickly.
So, an imminent event is almost here, and you can feel it's about to start.
When something is imminent, it means it's going to happen very, very soon. Imagine a big, dark cloud gathering in the sky – a storm is imminent. It's often used for things that are important or even a little bit worrying, and you can feel that they are coming quickly. For example, if a deadline is imminent, it means you don't have much time left to finish your work. So, if something is imminent, it's right around the corner!
When we describe something as imminent, we are indicating that it is on the verge of occurring, often within a very short timeframe. This adjective carries a strong connotation of immediacy and frequently suggests an unavoidable or even impending sense of consequence.
It's typically reserved for situations or events of some significance, and can convey a feeling of urgency or a looming presence. While not always negative, 'imminent' often signals a situation that demands attention due to its close proximity in time, sometimes hinting at potential challenges or developments just around the corner.
imminent en 30 secondes
- about to happen
- soon
- urgent
§ Understanding 'Imminent' in Context
The word 'imminent' carries a specific weight, often indicating a sense of foreboding or significant, unavoidable change. While many synonyms exist, understanding their subtle differences is key to choosing the most precise word for your message.
§ Direct Synonyms and Their Nuances
- DEFINITION
- About to happen; at hand.
- Impending: Very similar to 'imminent', 'impending' also suggests something about to occur, often with a sense of threat or seriousness. It can be used almost interchangeably with 'imminent' in many contexts, but 'imminent' often implies a slightly shorter timeframe or a greater certainty.
The impending storm sent shivers down everyone's spine.
- Forthcoming: This word generally implies something is expected to arrive or be revealed soon, but without the strong sense of threat or urgency often associated with 'imminent'. It's more neutral.
The company announced its forthcoming product line.
- Approaching: This is a more general term for something getting closer in time or space. It doesn't necessarily carry the same weight of inevitability or significance as 'imminent'.
The deadline is rapidly approaching.
- DEFINITION
- Very near; close at hand.
- Nigh: An archaic or literary term for 'near', it can convey a sense of 'imminent' but is rarely used in modern everyday speech.
The hour of reckoning is nigh.
§ Words with Similar Meanings but Different Connotations
- Pending: This term often refers to something waiting to be decided or settled. While it implies something is coming, it lacks the definite and often ominous tone of 'imminent'.
The court case is still pending.
- Brewing: This metaphoric term suggests that something, usually negative or intense, is slowly developing and gathering strength, leading to an eventual outcome. It indicates a process rather than an immediate occurrence.
Trouble had been brewing between the two factions for weeks.
- DEFINITION
- Existing as a possibility rather than an actuality.
- Potential: This word indicates something that could happen, but without the strong certainty or immediacy of 'imminent'. It suggests capability or a chance.
The project has potential for great success.
§ When to Choose 'Imminent'
Use 'imminent' when you want to convey that an event is:
- Very close to happening: The timeframe is usually short, suggesting that the event will occur in moments, hours, or a very few days.
- Likely inevitable: There's a strong sense that the event cannot be avoided.
- Significant or serious: 'Imminent' is often reserved for events that carry considerable weight, be they positive (though less common) or, more frequently, negative or threatening.
- Causing a sense of urgency or concern: The word itself often triggers a feeling of anticipation, which can be anxious if the event is undesirable.
A volcanic eruption was imminent, forcing the evacuation of nearby villages.
In this example, 'imminent' conveys the urgency and seriousness of the situation much more effectively than 'approaching' or 'forthcoming'. It highlights the immediate threat and the necessity of action.
The company faced imminent bankruptcy if sales didn't improve.
Here, 'imminent' underscores the critical and urgent nature of the financial crisis, implying that failure is almost a certainty without immediate intervention.
§ Avoiding Overuse and Misuse
While powerful, 'imminent' should be used judiciously. Using it for minor or less certain events can diminish its impact. For instance, saying 'my lunch break is imminent' would be an exaggeration; 'my lunch break is soon' or 'my lunch break is approaching' would be more appropriate.
Exemples par niveau
The dark clouds gathering on the horizon suggested that a storm was imminent.
The dark clouds gathering on the horizon suggested that a storm was about to happen very soon.
Here, 'imminent' modifies 'storm', describing its proximity.
With the deadline looming, a decision on the project's future seemed imminent.
With the deadline looming, a decision on the project's future seemed about to happen very soon.
'Imminent' is used here to emphasize the urgency of the decision.
The doctor warned that without proper care, a health crisis could be imminent.
The doctor warned that without proper care, a health crisis could be very close to happening.
This sentence uses 'could be imminent' to express a strong possibility of something happening soon.
Reports from the border indicated that a conflict between the two nations was imminent.
Reports from the border indicated that a conflict between the two nations was very likely to happen soon.
'Imminent' is used here in a more serious context, suggesting a potentially threatening event.
Everyone felt the excitement in the air; the announcement of the winner was imminent.
Everyone felt the excitement in the air; the announcement of the winner was about to happen.
This example shows 'imminent' can also describe a highly anticipated event.
The company's financial troubles suggested that a bankruptcy filing was imminent.
The company's financial troubles suggested that a bankruptcy filing was very close to happening.
Here, 'imminent' describes an unfortunate, yet seemingly unavoidable event.
With all the preparations complete, the launch of the new product was imminent.
With all the preparations complete, the launch of the new product was about to happen very soon.
'Imminent' is used to convey a sense of a planned event being very close.
The rising floodwaters made it clear that an evacuation of the town was imminent.
The rising floodwaters made it clear that an evacuation of the town was about to happen very soon.
This sentence uses 'imminent' to describe a critical and urgent situation.
The dark clouds gathering on the horizon made it clear that a storm was imminent, prompting everyone to seek shelter.
Dark clouds, storm, seek shelter
Describes a natural phenomenon that is about to occur.
With the deadline for the project imminent, the team worked late into the night to ensure everything was completed on time.
Deadline, project, worked late, on time
Refers to an approaching time constraint.
The doctor warned that without immediate intervention, a medical emergency was imminent for the patient.
Doctor, immediate intervention, medical emergency, patient
Indicates a serious health situation on the verge of happening.
Rumours of a company merger became more credible when an official announcement seemed imminent.
Rumours, company merger, official announcement
Suggests an impending corporate event.
The tension in the room was palpable, and everyone sensed that a major argument was imminent.
Tension, palpable, major argument
Describes an emotional confrontation that is about to erupt.
Archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts, leading them to believe that further significant finds were imminent in the excavation site.
Archaeologists, ancient artifacts, significant finds, excavation site
Refers to anticipated discoveries.
The government issued a warning about an imminent volcanic eruption, advising residents to evacuate.
Government, warning, volcanic eruption, evacuate
Highlights a natural disaster that is expected to happen soon.
As the final bell approached, the students grew restless, knowing that the end of the school day was imminent.
Final bell, restless, end of school day
Pertains to a scheduled event that is about to conclude.
Famille de mots
Noms
Comment l'utiliser
When using "imminent," remember that it conveys a strong sense of immediate future. It's often paired with events that are perceived as serious, dangerous, or otherwise impactful. For example, you might say "The storm is imminent" or "A decision on the merger is imminent." It's less commonly used for everyday, minor events. Think of it as indicating something that is not just going to happen soon, but *very* soon and with some notable consequence.
One common mistake is using "imminent" interchangeably with words like "upcoming" or "forthcoming" for any future event, regardless of its urgency or proximity. While all three refer to future events, "imminent" specifically emphasizes the 'about to happen' aspect and often carries a more serious tone. For instance, saying "My birthday is imminent" would sound a bit dramatic unless there was a specific, urgent reason for it. Another mistake is using it for events that are actually quite far off; if something is happening next month, it's generally not considered imminent. It's best reserved for things expected within hours, days, or a very short, critical timeframe.
Teste-toi 54 questions
The bus is ___.
The word 'here' suggests the bus is arriving soon.
My mom will be ___ home.
'At home' is a common phrase.
The cake is ___ the table.
Objects are typically 'on' the table.
I like to ___ water.
We drink water.
The dog is ___ big.
'Very' describes the size of the dog.
She has a ___ cat.
'Black' describes the color of the cat.
The rain is _______. We need to go inside.
'Imminent' means something is about to happen very soon. 'Coming soon' is the best match for this meaning at an A1 level.
My birthday is _______. I will have a party!
Something 'imminent' is happening very soon. 'Today' means it is happening now or extremely soon.
The bus is _______. We need to run!
If the bus is 'imminent', it means it is about to arrive. 'Here' implies it's either just arrived or is arriving right now.
If something is imminent, it means it is happening right now.
At an A1 level, 'imminent' can be understood as happening very, very soon, almost right now.
A small cat is imminent if it is far away.
Imminent means something is very close or about to happen soon, not far away.
The school bell is imminent when it is about to ring.
If the school bell is 'imminent', it means it is going to ring very soon.
The storm was ___ , so we went inside quickly.
Something that is 'imminent' means it is about to happen very soon. A storm that is about to happen makes people go inside quickly.
The teacher said a test was ___ , so I started to study.
If a test is 'imminent', it means it will happen very soon, which is why someone would start to study.
We saw dark clouds, meaning rain was ___ .
Dark clouds usually mean rain is 'imminent', or about to start soon.
The bus arrival was ___ , so we stood at the stop.
If the bus arrival is 'imminent', it means it's coming very soon, so you would wait at the stop.
With the big clock ticking, the new year's start was ___ .
When a big clock is ticking towards a new year, its start is 'imminent', meaning very close.
The small child cried because his naptime was ___ .
A child crying because naptime is 'imminent' means it's about to happen very soon, and they don't want to nap.
Write a short sentence about something that will happen very soon at school.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The bell for recess is imminent. We will play outside very soon.
Imagine your friend is coming to your house. Write one sentence about their arrival using a word that means 'coming very soon'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My friend's arrival is imminent. I need to clean up!
Describe a weather event that will happen very quickly.
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Sample answer
A storm is imminent. The sky is getting dark very fast.
What did everyone know was 'imminent'?
Read this passage:
The dark clouds gathered quickly in the sky. The wind started to blow harder. Everyone knew that rain was coming very soon, and they hurried inside.
What did everyone know was 'imminent'?
The passage says 'rain was coming very soon', which means it was imminent.
The passage says 'rain was coming very soon', which means it was imminent.
What is 'imminent' in this situation?
Read this passage:
The school play starts in just five minutes. The actors are ready backstage, and the audience is sitting down. The start of the show is very close.
What is 'imminent' in this situation?
The passage says 'The start of the show is very close', meaning it's imminent.
The passage says 'The start of the show is very close', meaning it's imminent.
What event is 'imminent' for my brother?
Read this passage:
My little brother is very excited. It's his birthday tomorrow, and he knows there will be a big party. The party is going to happen extremely soon.
What event is 'imminent' for my brother?
The passage states 'The party is going to happen extremely soon', indicating it's imminent.
The passage states 'The party is going to happen extremely soon', indicating it's imminent.
Imagine you are planning a surprise birthday party for a friend. Describe how you would prepare and what you would do to keep it a secret. Use the word 'imminent' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I'm planning a surprise party for my friend, and the date is drawing near. The arrival of the guests is imminent, so I need to make sure all the decorations are up and the food is ready. I've been sending secret messages to everyone to ensure they arrive on time and keep the whole thing a surprise.
You are a weather reporter. Describe a weather situation where a storm is about to hit your city. Use the word 'imminent' to describe the storm's arrival.
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Sample answer
Good evening. We have some important weather news for you tonight. A severe storm is approaching our city, and its arrival is imminent. Residents should prepare for heavy rain and strong winds. Please stay safe and secure any outdoor items.
Write a short paragraph about a student who is preparing for an important exam. Mention the exam's significance and use the word 'imminent' to describe when it will happen.
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Sample answer
Sarah was busy studying for her final exams. She knew how important they were for her future. The first exam was imminent, so she spent all her free time reviewing her notes and practicing past papers. She felt a mix of nerves and determination.
What does the passage say about the presentation?
Read this passage:
The team worked tirelessly to finish the project before the deadline. They knew that the presentation was imminent, and they wanted to make a good impression. Everyone stayed late, checking every detail and rehearsing their parts. They were confident they would succeed.
What does the passage say about the presentation?
The word 'imminent' in the passage means that the presentation was about to happen very soon, creating a sense of urgency for the team.
The word 'imminent' in the passage means that the presentation was about to happen very soon, creating a sense of urgency for the team.
Why were the villagers worried?
Read this passage:
A small village near the mountains was experiencing heavy rainfall for several days. The villagers were worried because the river was rising rapidly. They feared that a flood was imminent and started preparing to evacuate their homes. The local authorities were also informed and were ready to assist.
Why were the villagers worried?
The passage states that 'a flood was imminent,' meaning it was about to happen very soon, which is why the villagers were worried and preparing to evacuate.
The passage states that 'a flood was imminent,' meaning it was about to happen very soon, which is why the villagers were worried and preparing to evacuate.
What does 'the start of the show was imminent' mean?
Read this passage:
The excited crowd gathered at the stadium, waiting for the concert to begin. The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the audience. Everyone knew that the start of the show was imminent, and they couldn't wait for their favorite band to appear on stage.
What does 'the start of the show was imminent' mean?
The phrase 'the start of the show was imminent' indicates that the concert was going to begin very soon, building anticipation among the audience.
The phrase 'the start of the show was imminent' indicates that the concert was going to begin very soon, building anticipation among the audience.
Listen for the word that describes something about to happen.
What word indicates the project submission is very near?
Listen for the word that describes the timing of the economic downturn.
Read this aloud:
Can you describe a situation where an event felt imminent to you?
Focus: imminent
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you are a weather reporter. How would you use the word 'imminent' to describe an approaching weather event?
Focus: imminent
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Discuss a time when you had to prepare for an imminent deadline or important event.
Focus: imminent
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The company faced _________ bankruptcy after the significant drop in stock prices.
The word 'imminent' accurately conveys the sense of impending and urgent financial collapse, fitting the context of a significant stock price drop.
Despite the clear warning signs, many people were caught off guard by the _________ storm.
'Imminent' is the most suitable choice here as it emphasizes the immediate and threatening nature of the storm that was about to hit.
The ambassador hinted at an _________ agreement, suggesting that negotiations were nearing a conclusion.
An 'imminent' agreement implies that the deal is on the verge of being finalized, aligning with the idea that negotiations are close to an end.
If a volcanic eruption is described as imminent, it means there's still plenty of time to prepare.
The term 'imminent' implies that an event is about to happen very soon, indicating a critical lack of time for extensive preparation.
A situation described as having 'imminent danger' suggests a threat that is immediate and unavoidable.
'Imminent danger' precisely conveys an immediate and unavoidable threat, as 'imminent' signifies something that is about to occur.
When a deadline is imminent, it means you have a long time to complete the task.
An 'imminent' deadline means it is approaching very quickly, requiring prompt action rather than allowing a long time for completion.
What did the dark clouds indicate?
What is expected to happen at the company?
What feeling did the tension in the room create?
Read this aloud:
Can you describe a situation where you felt an event was imminent?
Focus: imminent
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
In what contexts might 'imminent' be used to describe something positive rather than threatening?
Focus: positive, threatening
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Explain the difference between 'imminent' and 'inevitable'.
Focus: imminent, inevitable
Tu as dit :
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The correct order emphasizes the 'catastrophe' as the subject and 'imminent' as its descriptor, preceded by the contrasting 'despite warnings'.
This arrangement clearly states that 'a cultural revolution' was 'imminent' and provides the scope 'across the nation'.
The order places 'imminent' directly before 'economic collapse' to modify it, followed by the specific 'system' that was 'predicted' to collapse.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Imminent describes something important or threatening that is going to happen very soon.
- about to happen
- soon
- urgent
