WordGarden.ioirrespective
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪrɪspˈɛktɪv/
US
- /ˌɪrəˈspɛktɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
not affected by or considering a particular factor
Beyond the definition
Imagine a grumpy old wizard who does not care what you do, as long as you do not bother him. That wizard would act irrespective of your pleas, warnings, or even offerings of gold. The word means that something happens or is decided without taking certain other things into account. You might make a decision irrespective of other people's opinions, or a train might run on schedule irrespective of the weather. It is about not letting outside conditions change the result.
The word irrespective means not affected by, regardless of, or despite something. It suggests a deliberate disregard for certain considerations—a refusal to let them influence your actions or decisions. Think of it as saying "no matter what," but in a more formal and sophisticated way.
It's often used when highlighting that something will happen despite potential obstacles or differing opinions. For example: "The meeting will proceed irrespective of the number of attendees," meaning it'll go ahead even if only one person shows up. Or, "He continued to whistle, irrespective of his wife's glares," suggesting he was determinedly ignoring her disapproval.
While irrespective is a close synonym of regardless, there is a slight difference in how they are used. Irrespective is almost always followed by the word "of" and typically introduces a category or a set of conditions (like age, nationality, or weather). Regardless is more flexible; while it can also be followed by "of," it can also stand alone as an adverb at the end of a sentence (e.g., "It was raining, but we went regardless").
You might see it used in legal or formal writing: "All applications will be considered irrespective of the applicant's nationality." It's a word that adds weight and precision to the idea of unwavering action, even when faced with challenges or differing viewpoints. So, if you want to emphasize that something is happening no matter what, irrespective is your word!
Examples
- 1
Student discount
The discount is available to all students, irrespective of age.
- 2
Workplace rules
The rules apply to everyone, irrespective of their job title.
- Usage
irrespective of is more formal than regardless of
- 3
Project planning
We will continue the project, irrespective of whether we get extra funding.
- 4
Applications
Applications are judged on experience, irrespective of where the applicant studied.
See also
Similar
- regardless
- regardless of
- notwithstanding
Shades of meaning
- independent of
- without regard to
Contrast
- dependent on
- subject to
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- irrespective of age
- irrespective of whether
- irrespective of race, gender, or religion
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- irrespectiveadjectiveadverb