irreconcilable
ih-REH-kun-syle-uh-bul
/ɪˌrɛkənˈsaɪləbl/
Representing findings or points of view that are so different from each other that they cannot be made compatible.
Most commonly used in the legal phrase 'irreconcilable differences' to justify a divorce.
The story behind the word. This word is the negative form of 'reconcile'. It suggests a finality where the 'council' can never be brought back together, no matter how much effort is put in.
Word relationships
- incompatible: Incompatible means things don't fit together; irreconcilable means they can never be made to fit.
- conflicting: Conflicting just means they are at odds; irreconcilable means the conflict is permanent.
- compatible: Compatible things work well together; irreconcilable things never can.
- resolvable: Resolvable problems can be fixed; irreconcilable ones cannot.
Commonly confused with
- unreconciled: Unreconciled means not yet brought together; irreconcilable means it's impossible to bring them together.
Word family
- reconcile (verb): To restore friendly relations.
Collocations
- irreconcilable differences
- irreconcilable conflict
- irreconcilable views
Example sentences
- "The couple cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their legal separation." A legal filing for divorce.
- "The two theories seemed irreconcilable, leading to a stalemate in the research." Describing a logical paradox.
Memory hook
Ir-reconcile-able: Ir (not) + reconcile + able (not able to reconcile). Irreconcilable = Impossible to reconcile.
When not to use
Don't use it for small arguments that can be fixed with a conversation.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'irreconcilable differences' became a standard legal term in the US during the 1970s with the rise of 'no-fault' divorce.
Explore more words
irrevocable, incorrigible, irredeemable, reconcile, incommensurable, Intransigent
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