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Definition of irrespective

irrespective

/ˌɪr.ɪˈspɛk.tɪv/
ir · re · spec · tive
Adverb:irrespectively
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irrespective Lexical Profile

irrespective Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Without taking a particular factor or circumstance into account (used with 'of').

Example

"All employees receive the same health benefits, irrespective of their seniority within the company."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for irrespective

• adjective

1

Not taking something into account; independent of or unbiased by specified conditions (almost always used with 'of').

Example

"The scholarship is awarded purely on academic merit, irrespective of the applicant's financial background."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for irrespective
Antonyms
View all antonyms for irrespective

Word Nuance & Usage

'Irrespective' is almost always used with the preposition 'of' ('irrespective of') to function as a complex preposition meaning 'regardless of'.

• Rhymes for irrespective

• Nearby Words

irresistibility
irresistible
irresistibly
irrespective
irrespectively
irresponsibility
irresponsible

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 17th century from the assimilated negative prefix 'ir-' (from Latin 'in-', meaning 'not') and 'respective' (from Medieval Latin 'respectivus', from Latin 'respicere', meaning 'to look back at' or 'regard').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Irrespective. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/irrespective
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