irrevocable
i-REV-uh-kuh-bul
/ɪˈrev.ə.kə.bəl/
Not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final.
Often used for decisions, actions, or laws that cannot be 'called back' once they are set in motion.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'irrevocabilis', meaning 'not able to be called back'. It combines 'in-' (not) + 're-' (back) + 'vocare' (to call).
Word relationships
- irreversible: Irreversible is more common for physical processes; irrevocable is more common for decisions and legalities.
- final: Final is a simpler term meaning coming to an end or allowing no further change.
- revocable: Able to be cancelled or taken back.
- reversible: Able to be turned the other way or undone.
Commonly confused with
- permanent: Permanent means lasting forever; irrevocable means it cannot be undone once done.
Word family
- irrevocably (adverb): In a way that cannot be changed or reversed.
Collocations
- irrevocable decision
- irrevocable step
- irrevocable commitment
- irrevocable trust
Example sentences
- "Stepping onto that plane was an irrevocable decision that changed her life forever." Life choices
- "An irrevocable trust cannot be modified or terminated without the permission of the beneficiary." Legal/Financial
Memory hook
Irrevocable = Ir (not) + Re (back) + Voc (call). Not able to be called back. Irrevocable = Ir-recallable.
When not to use
Do not use 'irrevocable' for something that is just difficult to change; it must be impossible to change.
Fun facts
- In the poem 'The Moving Finger' by Omar Khayyam, the 'Finger' writes, and having writ, moves on—this is the essence of an irrevocable act.
Explore more words
immutable, indelible, inevitable, Inalienable, perpetual, unequivocal
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