What does it mean when something is described as 'imminent'?

When something is described as 'imminent', it indicates that an event is about to happen very soon. The term suggests a sense of urgency, highlighting that the event is near in time and very likely to occur shortly. This sense of immediacy is often used in contexts such as warnings about natural disasters or critical events that require prompt attention. In contrast, the other options provide interpretations that do not capture the essence of being 'imminent'. For instance, describing something as having already occurred would imply it is in the past rather than approaching. Being distant suggests a significant gap in time, which again contradicts the idea of something about to happen. Finally, stating that something is uncertain implies a lack of clarity regarding its occurrence, which is the opposite of the assertiveness inherent in the description of something as imminent. Thus, 'about to occur' accurately encapsulates the meaning of the term.