Irrevocable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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irrevocable
[ɪˈrɛvəkəb(ə)l ]
Definition
legal
Not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final and permanent.
Synonyms
final, irreversible, permanent, unchangeable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| irrevocable |
Irrevocable is often used in legal, formal, or serious contexts where decisions or actions cannot be undone or changed.
|
| unchangeable |
Unchangeable is used to describe something that cannot be altered, often used in philosophical, legal, or formal discussions.
|
| permanent |
Permanent is used to describe something that lasts indefinitely without change or end, commonly applied in everyday and formal situations.
|
| final |
Final is used in everyday language and formal contexts to indicate the end of something, such as a decision, result, or event, with no possibility of further change.
|
| irreversible |
Irreversible is often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to describe processes or changes that cannot be undone, especially those with long-term effects.
|
Examples of usage
- The decision of the court is irrevocable.
- Once you sign the contract, it becomes irrevocable.
- Their commitment to the project is irrevocable.
- The law states that the punishment for this crime is irrevocable.
- The terms of the agreement are irrevocable.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, an irrevocable decision often cannot be revoked, such as an irrevocable trust.
- Irrevocable contracts are binding agreements that cannot be easily terminated without severe penalties or consequences.
Psychology
- Making an irrevocable decision can lead to feelings of stress or anxiety due to the pressure of knowing it can't be changed.
- Research shows that people often struggle with making irrevocable choices because it limits their future options.
Philosophy
- The concept of irrevocability often comes up in discussions about free will and determinism, debating whether our choices can truly be altered.
- Some philosophical theories suggest that irrevocable decisions define our identities and life paths.
Literature
- In classic literature, irrevocable decisions often serve as pivotal moments for character development and plot progression.
- Famous stories, like Shakespeare's tragedies, frequently explore the consequences of irrevocable actions, highlighting themes of fate and consequence.
Origin of 'irrevocable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'irrevocabilis', which means 'not to be called back'.
- It combines the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not', with 'revocable', which means 'able to be called back or undone'.
The word 'irrevocable' originated from the Latin word 'irrevocabilis', which is a combination of 'ir-' (not) and 'revocabilis' (reversible). The concept of something being irrevocable has been present in legal and philosophical contexts for centuries, emphasizing the permanence and unchangeable nature of certain decisions or actions. The term has evolved to become widely used in legal documents, contracts, and discussions where a sense of finality and permanence is required.