irreconcilably

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌɪrɪˈkɒnsaɪləbli/

KK: /ɪˌrɛkənˈsaɪləbli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that shows two things cannot be made compatible or brought to agreement.

Example

The two sides argued irreconcilably, refusing to find any common ground.

Conversation

Did you hear about Sam and Alex?

Yeah, it seems like they are fighting irreconcilably now.

I really thought they could work things out eventually.

Me too, but it looks like they're just too far apart now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

incompatibly

unreconcilably

conflictively

Antonyms

harmoniously

reconcilably

agreeably

Root Explanation

Irreconcilably → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not), "reconciliare" (meaning to bring together or restore to friendship), and "-ably" (meaning in a manner). The word describes a state of being unable to be brought together or restored to agreement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'bring together' ('reconciliare') in any way — that's why irreconcilably means unable to reach an agreement.

Visually Confused Words