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irrelevant - 3 dictionary results
ir⋅rel⋅e⋅vant
[i-rel-uh-vuh
nt] 
–adjective
| 1. | not relevant; not applicable or pertinent: His lectures often stray to interesting but irrelevant subjects. |
| 2. | Law. (of evidence) having no probative value upon any issue in the case. |
Origin:
1780–90
1780–90
Related forms:
ir⋅rel⋅e⋅vant⋅ly, adverb
Pronunciation note:
The pronunciation of irrelevant [i-rel-uh-vuhnt] , as [i-rev-uh-luhnt], as if spelled irrevelant, is the result of metathesis, the transposition of two sounds, in this case, the [l] and the [v]. Relevant, the base word, is occasionally subject to the same process. Analogy with words like prevalent and equivalent may play a role. A similar reordering of the [l] and [v] consonant sounds, althought not a strict one-to-one metathesis, can be heard for Calvary [kal-vuh-ree] when pronounced [kav-uhl-ree]. Here the transposition is reinforced by the existence of the familiar word cavalry.
The pronunciation of irrelevant
[i-rel-uh-vuhnt] , as [i-rev-uh-luhnt], as if spelled irrevelant, is the result of metathesis, the transposition of two sounds, in this case, the [l] and the [v]. Relevant, the base word, is occasionally subject to the same process. Analogy with words like prevalent and equivalent may play a role. A similar reordering of the [l] and [v] consonant sounds, althought not a strict one-to-one metathesis, can be heard for Calvary [kal-vuh-ree] when pronounced [kav-uhl-ree]. Here the transposition is reinforced by the existence of the familiar word cavalry.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
|
Link To irrelevant
| ir·rel·e·vant (ĭ-rěl'ə-vənt) adj. Unrelated to the matter being considered. ir·rel'e·vant·ly adv. Synonyms: These adjectives mean not pertinent to the subject under consideration: an irrelevant comment; a question extraneous to the discussion; an objection that is immaterial; mentioned several impertinent facts. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Main Entry: ir·rel·e·vant
Pronunciation: ir-'re-l&-v&nt
Function: adjective
: not relevant : not applicable or pertinent <irrelevant allegations> <irrelevant evidence> —compare IMMATERIAL —ir·rel·e·vant·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Language Translation for : irrelevant
Spanish:
irrelevante,
German:
unerheblich,
Japanese:
見当違いの
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