What does imminently mean?
“Imminently” is an adverb meaning “very soon” or “about to happen.” It is used when an event, decision, arrival, or danger is approaching and the timing is important. The word is especially common in journalism, official announcements, emergency reports, and other formal contexts: a deadline may be approaching imminently, or a government may warn that a threat is becoming imminently dangerous. Its Latin-derived form gives it a more emphatic and precise tone than the everyday expression “soon.” The closely related adjective “imminent” describes the approaching event itself, while “imminently” describes the manner or timing of its arrival. Although understood throughout the English-speaking world, the word can sound formal or literary in casual speech, where simpler alternatives are often more natural.
adverbIn a manner that is about to happen or is expected to happen very soon. It emphasizes the imminence of an event, often with the suggestion that the event is approaching rapidly.
- In a way that is about to happen or will happen very soon.
"The storm began to clear imminently after the last train had arrived."
"The announcement felt imminently close as the audience began to settle."
"Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene, where a structural failure was imminently expected."
The word “imminently” comes from Latin for something that is hanging over you: danger or an event is not merely approaching, but about to arrive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imminently come from?
The word comes through French from Latin “imminens,” the present participle of “imminere,” meaning “to overhang” or “to threaten.” In English, “imminent” developed the sense of something about to happen, especially something threatening. The adverb “imminently” was formed from this adjective with the suffix “-ly,” preserving its formal character and its emphasis on nearness in time.
How imminently is actually used
Common in formal and professional writing, especially in journalism, public safety, and official statements. It is more precise than simply saying “soon” and can sound somewhat formal or literary in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with imminently
“Imminent” is an adjective describing something that is about to happen, whereas “imminently” is an adverb describing something that will happen very soon.