Word
irrespective
Phoneticsir·re·spec·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪɹəˈspɛktɪv/
UK/ɪɹɪspˈɛktɪv/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01regardless of something
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. used to say that something happens or is true without being affected by other things.
adv. functioning to indicate that a situation exists or an action occurs without regard to specific conditions or consequences.
“The rules apply to everyone, irrespective of how much money they have.”
“The foundation provides medical assistance to all refugees irrespective of their country of origin or political affiliation.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02not influenced by circumstances
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Academic
adj. not influenced by or not considering specific conditions.
adj. independent of or not taking into account particular circumstances or conditions; often used in philosophical or legal contexts.
“The judge made an irrespective decision based only on the evidence.”
“The committee sought to reach an irrespective conclusion, setting aside their personal biases to focus on the data.”
Synonyms
Usage
Almost always followed by the preposition 'of'.
Pitfall
irrespectively of the cost
irrespective of the cost
While 'irrespectively' exists, 'irrespective' is the standard form used in the prepositional phrase 'irrespective of'.
Real-World Examples
“I don’t wish any politician any ill will, irrespective of their political persuasion.” “Furthermore, the researchers showed that there was consistent increase in cardiovascular events with xylitol irrespective of baseline characteristics, such as age and sex.” Etymology
From ir- + respective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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