Do you know the difference between “imminent” and “eminent”? These words sound similar when spoken, but you won’t want to mix them up in your writing. Check out our guide below to find out how they work.
“Imminent” is an adjective that means “happening very soon”:
The clouds suggest a storm is imminent.
There is a real danger of imminent violence.
The adverbial form of this word, meanwhile, is “imminently.” And, like “imminent,” we use this word when something is happening soon:
The report is due imminently.
In all cases, then, “imminent” will refer to something happening soon.
Also an adjective, “eminent” means “famous,” “important,” or “respected”:
He was an eminent figure in the theatrical world.
As an eminent scholar, she commanded great respect.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
More rarely, it can mean “present to a notable degree” for a positive quality:
The eminent readability of the book is its great strength.
The adverbial form of this word, “eminently,” means “very and obviously”:
The book is eminently readable from start to finish.
There is a subtle difference here (i.e., “eminently” does not imply fame or respectability). This is because these words come from an Old French word meaning “prominent.” And “prominent” can refer to importance (i.e., eminence) or standing out (i.e., to be “eminently” some quality).
While these words sound similar, they have very different meanings:
Likewise, with “imminently” and “eminently,” there is a key difference:
If you struggle to tell these spellings apart, remember that “imminent” and “imminently” start with the same three letters as “immediate,” since something imminent will happen in the immediate future.
For more help with the spelling in a document, meanwhile, why not try Proofed? You can even upload a 500-word sample document for free today to find out more about our services before you pay a penny.
Δ
2-minute read
If you’re writing about health issues, you might need to reference the Centers for Disease...
5-minute read
Introduction If you’re involved with ecommerce, you’re likely familiar with the often painstaking process of...
3-minute read
Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...
4-minute read
Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...
Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...
No matter your industry, conducting market research helps you keep up to date with shifting...