Irregular
/ɪˈrɛɡ.jə.lər/noun
Not conforming to established rules or patterns.
Did you know?The prefix 'ir-' signifies a reversal, revealing that 'irregular' literally means 'not in accordance with the norm', tying it to concepts of disorder and unpredictability.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reg-
“to move in a straight line, direct, rule.”
Latin
Latin
irregularis
“not following a rule or pattern.”
Old French
Old French
irregulier
“not regular, out of order.”
Middle English
Middle English
irregular
“not conforming to the standard.”
Modern English
English
irregular
“not regular or normal in arrangement or pattern.”