irreversibly
UK[ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbli]US[ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbli]
adv
in a way that cannot be changed or returned to a previous condition
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
revers
ibly
ir
not
revers
to turn
ibly
in a manner
Etymology
the word 'irreversibly' is built upon the core latin verb 'revertere', meaning to turn back or return. the prefix 'in-' (later assimilated to 'ir-') negates this action, creating the sense of something that cannot be turned back. the suffix '-ibilis', indicating capability, was added to form the adjective 'irreversible', meaning not capable of being turned back. finally, the adverbial suffix '-ly' (from old english '-lice') was appended, yielding the modern adverb describing an action performed in a manner that makes return or change impossible.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + revers (to turn) + ibly (in a manner)
ir- (latin, negative prefix), revers (latin, from 'revertere' meaning to turn back), -ibly (latin, adverbial suffix from '-ibilis', meaning in a manner that can be)
Examples
the decision has irreversibly altered the course of the project.
once the chemical reaction is complete, the process is irreversibly finished.
the damage to the ecosystem may be irreversibly severe.