irregardless
pronunciation
How to pronounce irregardless in British English:
UK [ˌɪrɪ'gɑ:dlɪs]
How to pronounce irregardless in American English:
US [ˌɪərɪ'gɑdlɪs]
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- Adverb:
- regardless; a combination of irrespective and regardless sometimes used humorously
Word Origin
- irregardless
- an erroneous word that, etymologically, means the opposite of what it is used to express. Attested in non-standard writing from at least 1870s (e.g. "Portsmouth Times," Portsmouth, Ohio, U.S.A., April 11, 1874: "We supported the six successful candidates for Council in the face of a strong opposition. We were led to do so because we believed every man of them would do his whole duty, irregardless of party, and the columns of this paper for one year has [sic] told what is needed."); probably a blend of irrespective and regardless. Perhaps inspired by the colloquial use of the double negative as an emphatic.
Example
- 1. Ok , irregardless . Ex-boyfriends are just off-limits to friends .
- 2. With practice , you will find that over time , you will change your outlook and choose to be happy , irregardless of the events around you .
- 3. That being said , irregardless of its background , I think it 's a pretty sweet shirt .