Meaning & use
irrespective
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparableformal
Not taking something into account; regardless of a particular factor or condition, usually followed by 'of'.
Grammar: Always used in the phrase 'irrespective of' + noun; not used before a noun alone.
Patterns
- irrespective of something
Everyone should be treated equally, irrespective of their background.
The event will take place irrespective of the weather.
Irrespective of cost, she was determined to buy the house.
Common combinations
- irrespective of
- The rule applies to all, irrespective of age.
- irrespective of whether
- She will attend irrespective of whether she is invited.
- irrespective of the consequences
- He acted irrespective of the consequences.
Synonyms and how they differ
- regardless
- Means the same but is less formal and can be used alone or with 'of'; 'irrespective' almost always requires 'of'.
- independent of
- Similar meaning but used in different contexts; 'irrespective of' is a fixed phrase.
Opposites
Word family
- respectively adverb
- Means in the same order as mentioned; not related in meaning to 'irrespective'.
Commonly confused: irrespective or irregardless?
irrespective vs irregardless
A nonstandard word often used mistakenly; standard English uses 'regardless' or 'irrespective'.
Practice
The law applies to everyone, ______ of nationality.
Choose one answer.
'Irrespective of' is the correct formal phrase. 'Regardless' can also be used with 'of', but 'irrespective' is the one that fits the formal tone here. 'Irregardless' is nonstandard, and 'respective' means 'in the order mentioned'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “irrespective”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.