Etymology Map
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Imminent

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means about to happen

Where does the word "imminent" come from? It comes from Latin imminens, adopted directly into English (1520s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
imminens
Latin · ancient
"overhanging"
present participle of 'imminere', to project over
2
Stage 2 of 2
imminent
English · 1520s
"overhanging"
'imminent danger' dates from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Imminent’s story begins in Latin: imminens meant “overhanging.” Present participle of 'imminere', to project over. It reached English by 1520s as imminent. 'imminent danger' dates from the 1600s. Today, imminent means about to happen.