Which should you use, eminent, immanent, or imminent? The adjective eminent means famous, respected, or important. The adjective immanent means inherent or existing everywhere. The adjective imminent means coming or likely to happen very soon.
| Incorrect: |
He is an imminent scientist.
|
| Correct: |
He is an eminent scientist.
|
| Incorrect: |
The threat of war was eminent.
|
| Correct: |
The threat of war was imminent.
|
| Incorrect: |
Deception is an imminent characteristic of the human being.
|
| Correct: |
Deception is an immanent characteristic of the human being.
|
