10 June 2010

Pedantry

Eminent: adj. 1. high in station, rank, or repute; distinguished. 2. greatest; utmost. 3. lofty; high. 4. an anatomical projection, esp. on a bone.

Imminent: adj. 1. likely to occur at any moment; impending. 2. projecting or leaning forward; overhanging.

The eminent (def. 1) doctor's departure may be imminent (def. 1), but the imminent (either def.) doctor's graduation is not necessarily eminent (def 1, 2, or 3; 4 is right out).