incorrigibility
UK[ɪnˌkɒr.ɪ.dʒəˈbɪl.ə.ti]US[ɪnˌkɔːr.ɪ.dʒəˈbɪl.ə.ti]
n
The quality or state of being impossible to correct, reform, or change for the better.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
corrig
ibility
in
not
corrig
correct
ibility
quality of being
Etymology
The word 'incorrigibility' is built upon the Latin verb 'corrigere', meaning "to set straight, correct", which itself is formed from 'com-' (an intensifier) and 'regere' (to lead straight, rule). The negative prefix 'in-' negates this capacity for correction. The suffix '-ibility' transforms the adjective 'incorrigible' (uncorrectable) into an abstract noun denoting the state or quality. Thus, the literal meaning "the quality of not being able to be set straight" evolved into the modern abstract sense describing an entrenched, unreformable character or habit. The journey from the concrete action of straightening to an immutable personal trait illustrates a classic semantic shift from the physical to the moral domain.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + corrig (correct) + ibility (quality of being)
- in: Latin prefix meaning "not".
- corrig: From Latin 'corrigere', meaning "to correct, set straight".
- ibility: A compound suffix from Latin '-ibilis' (capable of being) + '-itas' (state, quality), forming a noun indicating the quality of being capable of a certain action.
Examples
The teacher sighed in resignation at the child's utter incorrigibility.
His charm was often overshadowed by a fundamental incorrigibility in matters of punctuality.
The legal system struggled with the perceived incorrigibility of repeat offenders.