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Irreversibly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irreversibly

[ɪˈrɛvərsəbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a way that cannot be reversed

Irreversibly means in a way that cannot be reversed or undone. It refers to a permanent change or damage that cannot be undone or changed back to its original state.

Synonyms

irretrievably, irrevocably, permanently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
irreversibly

Used to describe a situation that cannot be changed or undone.

  • The damage to the coral reef was irreversibly severe.
  • Once the contract is signed, the terms are set irreversibly.
permanently

Used to describe something that lasts for a very long time or forever.

  • He decided to move to Spain permanently.
  • The ink from the pen stained the shirt permanently.
irrevocably

Used in legal or formal contexts to describe something that cannot be revoked, canceled, or undone.

  • The judge's decision was irrevocably final.
  • She irrevocably transferred ownership of the property.

Examples of usage

  • The damage to the environment was irreversibly caused by the industrial pollution.
  • Once the decision is made, it will irreversibly change the course of our future.
  • The disease had spread irreversibly throughout her body, leaving little hope for recovery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In thermodynamics, irreversibility refers to processes that cannot be reversed, such as the melting of ice into water.
  • Certain chemical reactions are labeled irreversible once the products cannot revert back to the original reactants under normal conditions.
  • In ecology, some changes, like species extinction, are considered irreversible as they cannot be undone.

Cultural Impact

  • Pop culture often depicts irreversible decisions, such as in movies where characters must live with the consequences of a past action.
  • In literature, themes of irreversible change instill a sense of drama and urgency, compelling characters to confront their choices.
  • Social movements can sometimes lead to changes deemed irreversible, altering cultural landscapes permanently.

Psychology

  • The human experience often includes moments of irreversible decisions that have lasting impacts on one’s life, like marriage or parenthood.
  • Psychological theories suggest that people tend to regret irreversible choices more intensely, leading to a sense of loss rather than closure.
  • The concept of irreversible trauma highlights how certain experiences can permanently affect an individual’s mental health and worldview.

Technology

  • In computing, once data is deleted from a system, it can sometimes be considered irreversibly lost unless backed up.
  • Certain software updates are designed to irreversibly change settings, enhancing security but limiting user control.
  • Manufacturing processes can be irreversibly altered once a product is launched, tying companies to a specific production method.

Origin of 'irreversibly'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'reversibilis' meaning 'able to be turned back'.
  • The concept first gained use in scientific contexts around the 19th century, particularly in chemistry and physics.
  • It has evolved in usage to encompass various fields, including environmental science, technology, and medicine.

The word 'irreversibly' is derived from the word 'irreversible', which comes from the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not' and the word 'reversible' meaning 'capable of being reversed'. The concept of irreversibility has been studied in various fields such as thermodynamics, chemistry, and biology, where irreversible processes are those that cannot be undone or reversed.

See also: irreversible, reversal, reverse, reversed, reverser, reversing, reversion.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,202, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.