|
|
- pronunciation:
- ih
reg
y
lr
- features:
- Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
uneven in shape, arrangement, surface, or some other way.
The road up the mountain was very irregular.- synonyms:
- uneven
- antonyms:
- regular
- similar words:
- bent, bumpy, crooked, jagged, rough
|
| definition 2: |
uneven in how often or for how long something happens.
There was an irregular beep coming from the smoke detector.- synonyms:
- erratic
- antonyms:
- regular, steady
- similar words:
- infrequent, random, uneven, variable
|
| definition 3: |
not fitting into a standard law, method, or custom.
In our country, it is highly irregular to serve dessert before dinner.- antonyms:
- regular
- similar words:
- abnormal, eccentric, singular
|
| definition 4: |
being an exception to the general rules of grammar or spelling.
It can be difficult for a learner of English to use an irregular verb correctly.- antonyms:
- regular
- similar words:
- exceptional
|
| related words: |
erratic, lopsided, occasional, peculiar, ragged, rugged |
| derivation: |
irregularly (adv.) |
The word irregular
contains the following parts:
in-2
Latin
prefix
that means not, without
  More about this word part:
The prefix in-2 occurs in Latin loanwords and attaches to Latinate bases. The bases of most words prefixed with in-2 are independent
adjectives (inadvertent, incognizant), although the base adjective may no longer be in widespread use (as with incessant
). Exceptions include iniquitous and indignant
. -in 2 has multiple forms, as the 'n' sound in in-2 assimilates to the initial sound of the base to which it is attached. See the assimilated forms ig-, il-2, im-2, and ir-2.
Example words:
inaccurate, inappropriate, inaudible, incapable, incessant, incompetent, incomplete, incomprehensible, inconceivable, inconclusive, inconsiderate, inconspicuous, inconvenient, incorrect, incredible, incredulous, incurable, indefinite, independence, independent, indignant, indirect, individual, indivisible, inedible, inefficient, inequality, inert, inevitable, inexpensive, infinite, informal, infrequent, injure, injury, insane, insolent, insomnia, invaluable, invincible, invisible, irregular
ir-2
Latin
prefix
that means not, without
More about this word part:
The prefix ir-2 occurs in Latin loanwords. It is an assimilated form of in-2 used before base words that begin with 'r.' See in-2
Example words:
reg, rect, rig1
Latin
root
that means king, rule, guide; straight
Example words:
correct, direct, direction, director, dirigible, erect, irregular, rectangle, regime, regiment, region, regular, regulate, regulation
|