irrespective

[ir-i-spek-tiv]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR irrespective ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

without regard to something else, especially something specified; ignoring or discounting (usually followed by of): Irrespective of my wishes, I should go.

Origin of irrespective

First recorded in 1630–40; ir-² + respective

Related formsir·re·spec·tive·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for irrespective

heedless, regardless, inattentive, careless, mindless, disregarding, disrespectful, impartial

Examples from the Web for irrespective

Contemporary Examples of irrespective

I do not begrudge the journalist for pursuing the unvarnished truth, irrespective of political consequences.
In Defense of Israel Advocacy
David Bernstein
July 9, 2012
The agent would have to play along with the mood of the crowd to maintain cover, irrespective of personal feelings and reactions.
Inside the Mind of the Spy: Agents Struggle in the Shadows
Ursula Wilder
July 1, 2012
One negative article erases 10 positive ones, irrespective of how many people are reading the positive versus the negative ones.
Beast Exclusive: Andrew Madoff Talks Back
Laurie Sandell
November 4, 2011
And it was irrespective of the circumstances of the children who might have needed some help.
Rick Perry’s Illegal Raid On A Mormon Sect
Wayne Barrett
October 12, 2011
In 2011, irrespective of ground conditions, the NATO clock will go into reverse sweep.
Obama's False Ally
M.J. Akbar
December 5, 2009

Historical Examples of irrespective

Let us see what constitutes infidelity, irrespective of marriage.
Sex=The Unknown Quantity
Ali Nomad
They are implacable and deadly foes of all humanity, irrespective of planet or race.
Spacehounds of IPC
Edward Elmer Smith
It was like a lovely incantation, drawing him irrespective of his will.
The Huntress
Hulbert Footner
I couldn't go on caring about anybody, irrespective of their conduct, just because they were they.
The History of Sir Richard Calmady
Lucas Malet
Moreover, this rule is irrespective of fraud, and is not confined to evidence.
The Path of the Law
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

British Dictionary definitions for irrespective

irrespective

adjective

irrespective of (preposition) without taking account of; regardless of

adverb

informal regardless; without due considerationhe carried on with his plan irrespective

Derived Formsirrespectively, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for irrespective

adj.

1620s (implied in irrespectively), "disrespectful," from assimilated form of in- (1) "not, opposite of" + respective. Meaning "without taking account of (something)" is from 1690s. Main modern use is adverbial ("irrespective of"), attested from 1839.