Make Your Point > Archived Issues > IMMANENT

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"IMMANENT" Meaning: "Immanent" has some specific religious and philosophical meanings, but here are the more general ones: Something immanent is only going on in your own mind. Also, something immanent is naturally and completely a part of something. This is the more common meaning that we'll focus on. Pronunciation: IM uh nunt Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “an immanent quality.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The quality was immanent.”) Other forms: immanently, immanence/immanency A note on homophones: Don't mix this word up with "eminent," which means "poking out, easy to see; very respected." And don't mix it up with "imminent," either, which means "unavoidable, about to happen." How do you keep these three straight? I recommend using the roots:   "Immanent" is related to "manor" because they share a root meaning "dwell," which makes sense because immanent things dwell within. Focus on the "man" (like "manor") that you see in "immanent." Both "eminent" and "imminent" share a root with "mountain," which is why they're spelled the same in the middle. (Look at how "mountain" looks like "-min-.") "Eminent" starts with the prefix "e-," which means "out," just like in "exit," which makes sense because something eminent pokes out.  And "imminent" starts with the prefix "im-" which means "in," like in "into," which makes sense because something imminent looms in toward you. Summing that up: Immanent = like "manor" because it dwells within Eminent = like "exit" because it pokes out Imminent = like "into" because it looms in on you How to use it: The first meaning, "only going on in your own mind," is not too common, but you can use it to talk about immanent thoughts, immanent dreams, immanent knowledge, immanent actions, etc. For the second meaning, "naturally and completely a part of something," talk about immanent qualities and immanent features of something or someone, or, with a flipped word order, qualities and features immanent in something or someone. (Here's the same example phrase several times, to show you the different word orders you can use: "the immanent fallibility of humans," "humans' immanent fallibility," "the fallibility immanent in humans.") I was awed by Elton John's immanent genius as I watched a documentary about his song-writing process: he gets the lyrics from his writer, sits down at the piano, and has a completely new and catchy tune written and finished in about fifteen minutes. Hawaii is known the world over for its immanent serenity. And its absurdly high cost of living. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "immanent" means when you can explain it without saying “natural" or "innate." Think of someone you've known and loved for a very long time, and fill in the blanks: "(Person or pet) has changed from _____ to _____ over time, but (his/her) immanent (specific quality) remains." Example: "Layla has changed from spunky to lazy over time, but her immanent sweetness remains." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month, with the gracious permission of author Dr. Barbara Ann Kipfer, we’re sampling some English language trivia from Word Nerd: More Than 17,000 Fascinating Facts about Words. Dr. Kipfer’s book is a hearty 570-page feast that I’ve been gleefully devouring for the past few months. We’re starting off with easy questions, then working our way toward some whoppers at the end of the month, all the while focusing on funny, unusual words; surprising word histories; and cool tidbits about the language.  Yesterday's question: This common English word, “d _ _ _ _ _ t,” comes from a French one meaning “clear the table.” What is it? Answer: Dessert. Try this one today:   This word, “_ _ _ _sphere,” literally means “ball of vapor.”  What is it? A Point Well Made: John Keats: "The creature has a purpose, and his eyes are bright with it." 1. The opposite of IMMANENT is A. ABSENT B. PRESCIENT C. LUMINESCENT 2. My dad, immanently _____, _____. A. religious .. attends services once or twice a year B. frugal .. taught me that unspent money gives you infinite possibilities while spending closes them all off C. handy .. told me why it's better to call in an expert and hire out the work rather than risk damaging your home while learning a new skill Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. B