irregularity
UK[ɪˌreɡjəˈlærəti]US[ɪˌreɡjəˈlærəti]
n
The state or quality of not being regular, even, or symmetrical.
n
Something that is irregular, such as a part that is not even or a happening that does not occur at regular intervals.
n
An action or practice that does not conform to the usual rules or standards, especially in a legal or moral context.
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
regular
ity
ir
not
regular
according to rule
ity
state or quality
Etymology
The word 'irregularity' is built upon the core Latin concept of a rule, regula, which originally referred to a straight piece of wood used as a measuring tool. The adjective regularis described something that conformed to this straight rule. The negative prefix in- (here assimilated to ir-) was attached to negate this conformity, creating 'irregular.' Finally, the abstract noun suffix -ity was appended to form 'irregularity,' shifting the meaning from the descriptive "not regular" to the nominal concept of "the state of being not regular." Thus, the term's logic flows from the literal idea of deviation from a straight line to the modern abstract meanings covering asymmetry, inconsistency, and nonconformity.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + regular (according to rule) + ity (state or quality)
- ir: A Latin prefix meaning "not" or "without," an assimilated form of 'in-' used before 'r'.
- regular: From Latin regularis (according to a rule), from regula (rule, straight piece of wood).
- ity: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas, denoting a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
The cardiogram detected a minor heart irregularity.
The irregularity of the coastline makes it difficult to map.
The audit uncovered financial irregularities in the company's accounts.