What does "imminent" mean?

Prepare for the GRE Basic Exam. Enhance your vocabulary with flashcards and challenging multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and explanations. Elevate your lexicon and ace the exam!

The term "imminent" specifically denotes something that is about to happen very soon. It conveys a sense of urgency and expectation, indicating that an event is not just likely to occur, but is expected to take place in the immediate future. The word is often used in contexts where there is a pressing sense of time or impending action, such as an imminent storm or imminent danger, emphasizing that the event is on the verge of happening.

The other choices do not reflect this definition. "Uncertain and unpredictable" describes situations that lack clarity or assurance about what will occur, which contrasts with the definite nature of "imminent." "Previously occurred" refers to something that has already happened, which is the opposite of what "imminent" implies. Finally, "only a possibility" suggests a lack of certainty and does not convey the immediacy associated with something being imminent. Thus, the choice that best encompasses the meaning of "imminent" is that it signifies an event that is about to occur.

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