In the following sentence, a blank has been given to be filled with the most appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four options. God is _____.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: immanent

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This English vocabulary question tests your understanding of a group of confusing look alike words, especially the pair 'immanent' and 'imminent'. Competitive exams often use such pairs to check whether candidates know precise meanings rather than guessing from spelling or sound. The sentence 'God is _____.' asks you to choose the word that best fits common religious and philosophical description of God.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: 'God is _____.'
- Options: 'immanent', 'mortal', 'imminent', 'deference'.
- The context is a general statement about the nature of God in religious or philosophical thought.
- Standard dictionary meanings of these words are assumed.


Concept / Approach:
The key to this question is knowing that 'immanent' and 'imminent' have very different meanings. 'Immanent' means present within, pervading and dwelling inside the world or within all things. In theology, God is often described as 'immanent' (present in the world) as well as 'transcendent' (beyond the world). 'Imminent' means about to happen very soon, as in 'imminent danger'. 'Mortal' means subject to death, which clearly does not apply to God in most religious traditions. 'Deference' is a noun meaning respectful submission or regard, and grammatically does not fit after 'is' in this sentence when we describe God's nature with an adjective.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the blank should be filled with an adjective that describes God's nature. Step 2: Consider 'immanent': this adjective means existing or remaining within, indwelling, pervading all parts of the universe. Step 3: Consider 'mortal': this means liable to die, subject to death, which conflicts with the usual idea of God as eternal. Step 4: Consider 'imminent': this means likely to occur at any moment, about to happen, and is normally used for events like storms or crises, not for God's essential nature. Step 5: Consider 'deference': this is a noun (respect, submission) and does not function as an adjective describing God, so it is grammatically inappropriate.


Verification / Alternative check:
Insert each option into the sentence and test the sense: 'God is immanent' is a meaningful theological statement describing God as present in all things. 'God is mortal' contradicts the idea of an eternal God. 'God is imminent' would mean God is about to happen soon, which is not how God's nature is normally expressed. 'God is deference' is ungrammatical and meaningless. Therefore, only 'immanent' fits both grammatically and conceptually.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
'Mortal' is wrong because it describes beings that die, whereas God is generally believed to be immortal. 'Imminent' is wrong because it is used for approaching events, not for a constant, indwelling presence. 'Deference' is wrong because it is a noun about human attitude and not an adjective describing God's essence, and it also sounds unnatural after 'God is'.


Common Pitfalls:
A common exam trap is confusing 'immanent' with 'imminent' because they sound almost the same. Many students also pick an option just because they have seen it more often in reading, without checking meaning. To avoid this, remember a simple association: 'immanent' with 'in' (God in the world) and 'imminent' with 'immediately coming'. Also notice the part of speech; 'deference' is a noun and does not fit where an adjective is needed.


Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence 'God is _____.' is immanent.

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