irredeemably
UK[ˌɪrɪˈdiːməbli]US[ˌɪrɪˈdiːməbli]
adv
in a way that cannot be corrected, improved, or saved
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
redeem
ably
ir
not
redeem
to buy back, to save
ably
in a manner of
Etymology
the word 'irredeemably' is built upon the foundation of 'redeem', which originates from the latin 'redimere' ('re-' meaning "back" and 'emere' meaning "to buy, to take"). this literal sense of buying back or ransoming evolved metaphorically into saving from sin or error, and further into correcting or compensating for faults. the negative prefix 'ir-' negates this possibility, forming 'irredeemable', meaning incapable of being saved or corrected. finally, the suffix '-ably' converts this adjective into an adverb, describing an action or state performed in a manner that is utterly beyond recovery or amendment.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + redeem (to buy back, to save) + ably (in a manner of)
- ir: a latin prefix meaning "not"; a variant of 'in-' used before 'r'.
- redeem: from latin 'redimere', meaning "to buy back, to ransom"; in english, it functions as the core verb.
- ably: an english adverbial suffix derived from latin '-abilis', meaning "in a manner that can be [verb]ed"; here, it modifies the adjective 'irredeemable'.
Examples
the character was irredeemably evil, with no hint of compassion.
the data was corrupted irredeemably, forcing us to start the project from scratch.
his reputation was damaged irredeemably by the scandal.