irregularly
UK[ɪˈreɡjələli]US[ɪˈreɡjələrli]
adv
in a way that is not even, smooth, or equal in shape, arrangement, or occurrence
adv
in a way that does not conform to established rules, customs, or patterns
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
regular
ly
ir
not
regular
according to rule
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'irregularly' is built upon the latin foundation of 'regula', meaning a straight stick, rule, or pattern. the prefix 'ir-', a variant of 'in-', negates the core concept, forming 'irregular' to describe something that deviates from the established rule or pattern. the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' is then appended, transforming the adjective into a modifier that describes the manner of an action. thus, the term's journey encapsulates a logical progression from the concrete idea of a measuring rule to the abstract concept of deviation from norms, finally specifying the adverbial mode of that deviation.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + regular (according to rule) + ly (adverb suffix)
- ir: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" (assimilated form of 'in-' before 'r').
- regular: latin origin, from 'regula' (rule), meaning "according to rule".
- ly: old english origin, an adverb-forming suffix.
Examples
the old cobblestones were laid irregularly, making the street uneven.
the committee meets irregularly, sometimes monthly and other times quarterly.
data points scattered irregularly across the graph suggested no clear correlation.