Make Your Point > Archived Issues > IMMINENT

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"IMMINENT" Meaning: Something imminent is definitely going to happen soon, and you can't avoid it. 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 imminent storm,”  and that's the most common way this word is used. 2. After a linking verb, as in "The storm was imminent.”) Other forms: imminence/imminentness (I prefer that first one), imminently How to use it: Keeping in mind that the roots in this word mean "in" and "jut out," you pretty much only use "imminent" to describe bad things--events you don't look forward to, events that loom in toward you like a big, scary mountain. So, talk about imminent death, an imminent demise, imminent danger or imminent violence, an imminent loss or an imminent defeat, imminent disaster, an imminent explosion, imminent threats, an imminent increase in interest rates on your loans, and so on. If you use "imminent" to describe neutral or positive things instead, like "his imminent rise to the top of the pop charts," then your meaning may be a little harsh: you're implying that the event was unavoidable, forceful, or threatening in some way. How harsh or playful your meaning is depends on your word choice and tone, though: "Take a look at this young boy's dimples, and behold his imminent popularity with the girls." One of the hardest things about my teaching internship was dealing with the students' imminent loss of interest as soon as anything got difficult for them. Not too long ago, I spilled almost an entire can of dark gray paint on a light-colored rug. I had to stop myself from freaking out unduly--it was a ruined rug, not an imminent apocalypse. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "imminent" means when you can explain it without saying "looming in on you" or "inescapable." Think of something you're dreading, and fill in the blanks: "_____ is a constant reminder of (that/the/my/an) imminent _____."  Example: "The little dot on my iPhone calendar is a constant reminder of an imminent doctor's appointment for my baby girl--she'll get her vaccines, and there will be tears." 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: “Blow-ins” or “bound-ins.” What are these?  Answer: Those are the annoying cards that come in magazines. Try this one today. It should feel rather difficult:   It was originally called a cartwheel. You probably use one at least a few times a month. What is it? A Point Well Made: Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” 1. The opposite of IMMINENT is A. RETURNABLE B. AVOIDABLE C. FORGETTABLE 2. Because _____, evacuation orders seemed imminent. A. the danger had clearly passed B. the hurricane was upgraded to a Category 5 C. people refused to leave their pets and property behind 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. B 2. B