Definition

Noun: - The state or condition of being about to happen very soon; the quality of being impending or threatening to occur at any moment. It describes a high probability of something, often significant or consequential, occurring in the immediate future.

Usage

The word "imminence" is used to describe the quality of an event that is looming or on the verge of happening. It often carries a sense of urgency, threat, or inevitability. It is a formal term commonly found in discussions about danger, deadlines, or significant changes.

Examples

• The dark clouds and sudden drop in pressure signaled the imminence of the storm.
• There was a growing sense of imminence in the courtroom as the jury prepared to deliver the verdict.
• The doctor spoke calmly about the imminence of the procedure to reassure the patient.

Advanced Usage

• "Sense of imminence": A feeling or awareness that something is about to happen.
  • A palpable sense of imminence filled the air before the announcement.
• "Imminence of danger": Used to specify that a particular threat is impending.
  • The security forces were alerted to the imminence of danger.

Variants and Related Words

• Imminent (adj): About to happen.
• Imminently (adv): In an imminent manner.
• Imminency (n): A less common variant synonym for "imminence."

Synonyms

• Impendence
• Imminency
• Approachingness
• Proximity (in the context of time)
• Forthcomingness

Antonyms

• Distance (in time)
• Remoteness
• Uncertainty (regarding timing)

Noun

1. the state of being imminent and liable to happen soon