immanent
Americanadjective
-
remaining within; indwelling; inherent.
- Antonyms:
- superimposed, extrinsic
-
Philosophy. (of a mental act) taking place within the mind of the subject and having no effect outside of it.
-
Theology. (of the Deity) indwelling the universe, time, etc.
adjective
-
existing, operating, or remaining within; inherent
-
of or relating to the pantheistic conception of God, as being present throughout the universe Compare transcendent
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of immanent
First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin immanent- (stem of immanēns ), present participle of immanēre “to stay in,” equivalent to im- “in” ( see im- 1) + man(ēre) “to stay” + -ent- adjective suffix ( see -ent); see also remain
Explanation
Something immanent is inherent in and spread throughout something else — it's innate, intrinsic and inborn. Philosophers might debate about whether generosity is an immanent trait or something that people are taught. In addition to referring to something inherent or intrinsic, the word immanent can also describe something that is totally mental. Both meanings of this word have to do with internal things. Sometimes, immanent means a quality that is essential to something. Psychologists claim the need to love and be loved is an immanent trait of human beings — we all have it. Some people think there is an immanent spirit or force in nature. Also, immanent things are ideas and feelings that only exist in your mind — they remain within. If you keep your ideas to yourself, they’re immanent.
Vocabulary lists containing immanent
Grendel
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Commonly Confused Words, List 4
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A Wizard of Earthsea
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That spring Ged saw little of either Vetch or Jasper, for they being sorcerers studied now with the Master Patterner in the secrecy of the Immanent Grove, where no prentice might set foot.
From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin
On the next day the Nine Masters of Roke gathered in a place somewhere under the dark trees of the Immanent Grove.
From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin
What is learned in the Immanent Grove is not much talked about elsewhere.
From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Vetch, seeing him gazing, said softly, “That is the Immanent Grove. We can’t come there, yet...”
From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin
The teaching regarding the Immanent God lies at the foundation of all of the Mystic teachings of all peoples, races, and times.
From Mystic Christianity by Atkinson, William Walker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
