irregular
UK[ɪˈreɡjələ(r)]US[ɪˈreɡjələr]
adj
not following the usual pattern or rules; not even, smooth, or straight in shape or arrangement
adj
not happening at regular or equal intervals of time
n
a member of an irregular military force
n
a product that is slightly damaged or imperfect and sold at a lower price
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
regular
ir
not
regular
following a rule
Etymology
The word 'irregular' is a direct borrowing from Late Latin irregularis, itself formed within Latin by combining the negative prefix in- (which assimilates to ir- before 'r') with the adjective regularis. Regularis derives from regula, meaning a "straight stick" used as a measuring tool, a rule, or a pattern, which in turn comes from the Proto-Indo-European root reg-, meaning "to move in a straight line," hence "to direct, rule." The core semantic journey is from the concrete concept of a straight ruler to the abstract concept of a rule or pattern. Therefore, 'irregular' literally means "not according to the rule or pattern," a meaning that has extended from describing physical shapes and surfaces to behaviors, occurrences, and military troops operating outside standard conventions.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + regular (following a rule)
- ir: A Latin prefix meaning "not" or "without". It is an assimilated form of 'in-' used before words beginning with 'r'.
- regular: From Latin regularis, meaning "according to rule," from regula ("rule, straight piece of wood").
Examples
The coastline is dotted with irregular, rocky cliffs.
Her attendance at the meetings has been quite irregular this year.
The store sells slightly irregular towels at a discount.