Eminent and Imminent

While writing a memo the other day I had a brain freeze on the differences in meaning of eminent and imminent.  Fortunately for me there’s Google and I avoided using the wrong, but similar-sounding, word.

But it does serve as a useful reminder for all as eminent and imminent are among the list of commonly misused English words.

eminent, preeminent, imminent, and immanent

• Eminent, originally meaning “emerging”, means “illustrious or highly-regarded.”  Example: The eminent doctor Jones testified on behalf of the defense.
• Preeminent means “most highly-regarded.”
• Imminent means “about to occur.”  Example: Rumors that war was imminent soon spread through the population.
• Immanent (less common than the other two, and often theological) means “indwelling, pervading.”  Example: God’s grace is immanent throughout the entire creation.

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