immanent
Definitions
Existing or operating within; inherent throughout something (esp. in philosophy and theology).
内在的；固有的；遍在的（尤用于哲学、神学）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedim- (in, within — here 'in' meaning inside, not the negative 'not') + man (manēre, stay) + -ent (adj.) = 'staying within.' Something immanent dwells inside a thing rather than coming from outside. In theology, an immanent God is present within the world, as opposed to a transcendent God beyond it.
Root main still carries 26 more wordsWhy It Means This
Easy to mix up with imminent (about to happen). They look almost identical but are unrelated: immanent = dwelling within (manēre, stay); imminent = hanging over you, about to occur (Latin minēre, to project/threaten). Immanent is mostly a philosophy/theology word: meaning, value, or the divine being inherent in the world rather than imposed from outside.
Common Collocations
- 1.immanent in内在于…
- 2.immanent critique内在批判
- 3.divine immanence神性的内在
Example Sentences
- 1.
Some philosophers see meaning as immanent in nature itself.
- 2.
The theory treats justice as immanent in the social order.
Easily Confused
immanent vs imminent vs eminent — three near-twins. immanent = inherent, dwelling within. imminent = about to happen (imminent danger). eminent = distinguished, famous (an eminent scholar). Only immanent belongs to the 'stay' root.