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Meaning & use

irrevocably

adverb·Advancedformal

Last updated

UK/ɪˈrevəkəbli/
US/ɪˈrevəkəbli/

Meanings

  1. adverbnot comparableformal

    In a way that can never be reversed or taken back.

    Grammar: Goes before a verb or participle: irrevocably changed, irrevocably committed.

    Patterns

    • irrevocably changed
    • irrevocably committed to something

    The accident irrevocably changed her life.

    He felt irrevocably bound to the promise he had made.

    Once the papers are signed, the sale is irrevocably complete.

  2. adverbnot comparableformal

    Beyond any chance of repair or return, so that nothing can restore the earlier state.

    Grammar: Often used with words of damage or loss: irrevocably broken.

    Patterns

    • irrevocably damaged
    • irrevocably lost

    Their friendship was irrevocably broken by the argument.

    The forest was irrevocably lost to the fire.

    The painting was irrevocably damaged by water.

Common combinations

irrevocably changed
The town was irrevocably changed by the new highway.
irrevocably damaged
His reputation was irrevocably damaged.
irrevocably committed
They were irrevocably committed to the plan.
irrevocably lost
Some records were irrevocably lost in the flood.
irrevocably broken
Trust between them was irrevocably broken.

Synonyms and how they differ

permanently
Permanently simply means for all time, while irrevocably adds the idea that no action can undo it.
irreversibly
Irreversibly is nearly identical but is more common for physical or scientific change.
for good
For good is informal and conversational, whereas irrevocably is formal.
definitively
Definitively means in a final and conclusive way, but not necessarily impossible to reverse.

Opposites

temporarilyreversibly

Word family

irrevocable adjective
impossible to change or take back
revoke verb
to officially cancel something
revocation noun
the act of cancelling officially
revocable adjective
able to be cancelled

Commonly confused: irrevocably or irreversibly?

irrevocably vs irreversibly

Irreversibly is a close synonym, more often used for processes and damage, while irrevocably often describes decisions and commitments.

Practice

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