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irrevocably

UK[ɪˈrevəkəbli]US[ɪˈrevəkəbli]
adv

in a way that cannot be changed, reversed, or recovered

Morpheme Breakdown

ir
revoc
ably
ir

not

revoc

call

ably

in a manner of

Etymology

the word "irrevocably" is built upon the latin verb revocare, meaning "to call back", which itself is composed of re- (back) and vocare (to call). the negative prefix in- (which assimilates to ir- before 'r') was added to form irrevocabilis, meaning "that cannot be called back". this legal and formal term entered english via old french, carrying the sense of something unalterable or beyond recall. the adverbial suffix -ably was then appended, finalizing its grammatical function to describe an action performed in an unchangeable manner.

Analysis

Structure: ir (not) + revoc (call) + ably (in a manner of) ir: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not". revoc: latin origin, from the verb revocare meaning "to call back". ably: latin origin via old french, an adverbial suffix meaning "in a manner of; capable of being".

Examples

the decision, once made, was irrevocably final.

the treaty irrevocably altered the political landscape of the region.

moving to another country irrevocably changed the course of her life.

irrevocably – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology