Imminent vs. Eminent — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 5, 2023
Imminent indicating something about to happen. Eminent denoting a high rank or notable stature.
Difference Between Imminent and Eminent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Imminent points to something on the brink of occurring, highlighting an immediacy or impending nature. It harbors a sense of urgency, signaling forthcoming events, often demanding preparedness or evoking anticipation.
Eminent, in sharp contrast, stands to characterize distinction, excellence, or a high status in a particular domain. It speaks not to the timing of an event, but to the prominence, respect, or high-standing nature of an entity or individual.
Where imminent illustrates a temporal component, relaying the nearness of an event or occurrence in time, its application is broadly utilized across various contexts where timing is crucial, such as in weather forecasts, project timelines, or news reports.
Conversely, eminent leans into a qualitative descriptor, enriching the noun it modifies by ascribing a level of superiority, noteworthiness, or distinction to it. This application appears in varied contexts, too, such as in describing scholars, politicians, or landmarks.
Imminent carries with it an air of impending, perhaps instilling a sense of caution, alertness, or expectancy toward the future event it predicts, often used to gear up, prepare, or brace for what’s to come in the near future.
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Eminent subtly knits a fabric of reverence or high regard, casting the entity it describes in a light of prominence, authority, or excellence, and is often utilized to express respect, admiration, or deference toward the subject it elevates.
Comparison Chart
Definition
About to happen
Noteworthy and respected
Usage Context
Predominantly temporal contexts
Descriptive of rank, stature, or quality
Associated Concepts
Urgency, forthcoming
Prominence, superiority
Application
Describing the nearness of events
Describing the status of entities
Connotations
Often neutral, possibly alerting
Positive, respectful
Compare with Definitions
Imminent
Near, approaching, or close in time.
His success was imminent after years of hard work.
Eminent
Standing out, renowned.
She is an eminent scientist in her field.
Imminent
Likely to occur at any moment.
The imminent storm forced them to cancel the event.
Eminent
Prominent, conspicuous.
The mountain is an eminent feature of the landscape.
Imminent
Forthcoming in the near future.
The team anticipated an imminent victory.
Eminent
Of high rank or reputation.
The award was presented by an eminent personality.
Imminent
Of an event, occurring soon or next.
She had to leave due to an imminent appointment.
Eminent
Superior or above others.
He was eminent in his professional community.
Imminent
About to occur; impending
In imminent danger.
Eminent
Noteworthy, distinguished.
The eminent arrival of the ambassador created a buzz.
Imminent
About to happen, occur, or take place very soon, especially of something which won't last long.
Eminent
Well-known and respected, especially for achievement in a particular field
An eminent historian.
Imminent
Threatening to occur immediately; near at hand; impending; - said especially of misfortune or peril.
Eminent
Outstanding or remarkable
Handled the situation with eminent skill.
Imminent
Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous.
Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach.
Eminent
Being such in full measure; complete; absolute
"the eminent sanity, good-humor and judgement you always display in pushing matters you have at heart" (Theodore Roosevelt).
Imminent
With upon) Bent upon; attentive to.
Their eyes ever imminent upon worldly matters.
Three times to-dayYou have defended me from imminent death.
No story I unfold of public woes,Nor bear advices of impending foes.
Fierce faces threatening war.
Eminent
Towering or standing out above others; prominent
An eminent peak.
Imminent
Close in time; about to occur;
Retribution is at hand
Some people believe the day of judgment is close at hand
In imminent danger
His impending retirement
Eminent
Noteworthy, remarkable, great.
His eminent good sense has been a godsend to this project.
Imminent
Hanging threateningly over one’s head.
The city was under imminent threat of an attack.
Eminent
(of a person) Distinguished, important, noteworthy.
In later years, the professor became known as an eminent historian.
Eminent
(archaic) High, lofty.
Eminent
High; lofty; towering; prominent.
Eminent
Being, metaphorically, above others, whether by birth, high station, merit, or virtue; high in public estimation; distinguished; conspicuous; as, an eminent station; an eminent historian, statements, statesman, or saint.
Eminent
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation;
Our distinguished professor
An eminent scholar
A great statesman
Eminent
Standing above others in quality or position;
People in high places
The high priest
Eminent members of the community
Eminent
Having achieved eminence;
An eminent physician
Eminent
Of imposing height; especially standing out above others;
An eminent peak
Lofty mountains
The soaring spires of the cathedral
Towering iceburgs
Common Curiosities
Can "eminent" refer to upcoming persons?
Yes, it can describe someone showing promise and likely to become distinguished.
Can something be both imminent and eminent?
Yes, e.g., an eminent scientist could be making an imminent discovery.
Can "imminent" describe only negative events?
No, "imminent" can describe any event that is about to happen, negative or positive.
Does "imminent" specify the exact timing?
No, it indicates nearness in time but doesn’t pinpoint the exact moment.
Can "imminent" relate to past events?
No, "imminent" pertains only to events about to happen in the future.
Is "eminent" only used for persons?
No, "eminent" can describe anything notable, such as a place, concept, or entity.
Does something imminent always happen?
Not necessarily, it is expected to happen but might still be averted.
Can "eminent" be used for objects?
Yes, when the object stands out in some way, like "an eminent landmark."
Can "eminent" describe a time period?
Rarely, as it predominantly describes distinction in entities or individuals.
Does "imminent" apply only to events?
Mostly yes, as it describes something that is about to occur.
How does "imminent" relate to "immediate"?
"Imminent" suggests nearness without being instant; "immediate" implies no delay.
Does "eminent" imply moral goodness?
No, "eminent" conveys noteworthiness, which is not always morally positive.
Does "eminent" indicate current or lifetime status?
It can indicate either current prominence or a sustained, lifetime reputation.
Can an "imminent threat" be vague?
Yes, the threat is expected soon but without explicit detail on its nature.
Is "eminent" synonymous with "famous"?
Not exactly; while both indicate noteworthiness, "eminent" suggests high standing.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
