English vocabulary · C1
Irrevocable
/ɪˈrev.ə.kə.bəl/ · adj.
It means a decision is final and cannot be changed.
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Example sentences
- Signing the contract was irrevocable.
- The irrevocable decision changed her life.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ir — not (from Latin)
- re — back (from Latin)
- voc — call (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FINAL — cannot be changed; the last step (General & Absolute)
- PERMANENT — lasting forever; not temporary (Time & Duration)
- BINDING — must be kept; legally required (Legal & Contractual)
Words with the same root
voc — call
- advocate — a person who speaks up and calls for someone
- invoke — to call upon a law or authority to use it
- provoke — to call out a reaction or strong feeling in someone
Lesson notes
Irrevocable. It means a decision is final and cannot be changed.
Similar words are final, permanent, and binding. Use irrevocable when a decision cannot be changed.
Signing the contract was irrevocable. The irrevocable decision changed her life.
From Latin. Ir- means not. Re- means back. Voc- means call. Cannot call back — that is irrevocable.