How to pronounce imminent
Say it like IM-uh-nunt. Imminent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM).
- IM
- uh
- nunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imminent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of imminent
American and British speakers say imminent in essentially the same way: /ˈɪmənənt/ in the US and /ˈɪmɪnənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: IM-ih-nunt.
What does imminent mean?
- About to happen, occur, or take place very soon, especially of something which won't last long.
Where does imminent come from?
From the present participle of Latin imminēre (“to overhang”), from mineō ("to project, overhang"), related to minae (English menace) and mons (English mount).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- inevitable
- immediate
- impending
- at hand
- close at hand
- impendent
Words that rhyme with imminent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imminent.
Questions about saying imminent
How do you pronounce imminent?
Say IM-uh-nunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪmənənt/. In British English it is /ˈɪmɪnənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imminent?
Imminent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · uh · nunt.
Do Americans and Brits say imminent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪmənənt/ and the British form is /ˈɪmɪnənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.