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irreplaceable (adj.)
1806, from assimilated form of in- (1) "not, opposite of" + replaceable. Related: Irreplaceably.
Entries linking to irreplaceable
in- (1)word-forming element meaning "not, opposite of, without" (also im-, il-, ir- by assimilation of -n- with following consonant, a tendency which began in later Latin), from Latin in- "not," cognate with Greek an-, Old English un-, all from PIE root *ne- "not."
In Old French and Middle English often en-, but most of these forms have not survived in Modern English, and the few that do (enemy, for instance) no longer are felt as negative. The rule of thumb in English has been to use in- with obviously Latin elements, un- with native or nativized ones.
In Old French and Middle English often en-, but most of these forms have not survived in Modern English, and the few that do (enemy, for instance) no longer are felt as negative. The rule of thumb in English has been to use in- with obviously Latin elements, un- with native or nativized ones.
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Definitions of irreplaceable
Dictionary entries near irreplaceable
irremediable
irremediably
irremovable
irreparable
irreparably
irreplaceable
irreprehensible
irrepressible
irreproachable
irreption
irreputable
