Sunday, January 22, 2006

Vocabulary

There has recently been much debate on the validity of the word 'irregardless'. The following is a direct quote from the Meriam Webster Dictionary:

Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

1 Comments:

Blogger Kristen said...

The debate must be over then...Webster always has the final verdict.

Sun Jan 22, 10:35:00 PM 2006  

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