Basic Details
Word: Irrespective
Part of Speech: Preposition (in irrespective of)
Meaning: Used in irrespective of, meaning without paying attention to something; regardless of.
Synonyms: regardless, no matter
How to Spell Irrespective
Syllables: ir - re - spec - tive
Tricky part: There are two r's at the start and a c before the t. Students also put an i in place of the first e.
Watch out for: irespective, irrispective, irrespectve
Memory tip: Look for respect hiding in the middle: ir-RESPECT-ive. Spell respect as usual and the rest falls into place.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The match will go ahead irrespective of the weather.
Example 2: Every child in the colony gets a gift, irrespective of age.
Example 3: Irrespective of what others think, Pooja wears her grandmother's old watch.
Fun Fact
Irregardless is a mix of irrespective and regardless. Many dictionaries list it, but they mark it as non-standard, so it is best kept out of exam answers.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word irrespective as used in the sentence:
The school bus leaves at seven, irrespective of who is late.
a) ahead
b) instead
c) regardless
d) because
Show answer
c) regardless. The bus leaves without caring who is late, so regardless fits the gap.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence to form a meaningful word:
Every runner gets a medal, ecpvetirsier of the finishing time.
a) perspective
b) irrespective
c) irrepressible
d) prospective
Show answer
b) irrespective. The jumble has two r's and two i's, which perspective and prospective lack, and no double s.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
The library card is given to every student irespective of class, and it lets them borrow two books and one magazine each week.
a) library
b) borrow
c) magazine
d) irespective
Show answer
d) irespective. Irrespective is ir- added to respective, so it has rr after the first i.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Irrespective of usually means ____.
a) without caring about
b) on top of
c) in front of
d) because of
Show answer
a) without caring about
2. Which sentence means the same as "Everyone must wear a helmet irrespective of age"?
a) Only older riders must wear a helmet.
b) Only young riders must wear a helmet.
c) Nobody needs to wear a helmet.
d) Everyone, young or old, must wear a helmet.
Show answer
d) Everyone, young or old, must wear a helmet.
