Incorrigible

Adjective

Definition: (of a person or their behavior) not able to be changed or reformed.

Synonyms: Irredeemable, Unrepentant, Hardened, Inveterate

Antonyms: Reformable, Repentant, Redeemable

Examples:
  • Despite multiple interventions, the teenager remained incorrigible and continued to engage in criminal activities.
  • The teacher labeled the disruptive student as incorrigible, as he showed no signs of improving his behavior.
Mnemonics:
  • "Incorrigible" can be broken down into "in-" meaning not, and "corrigible" meaning able to be corrected. So, someone who is incorrigible is not able to be corrected.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense ‘not capable of being corrected’): from Latin incorrigibilis, from in- ‘not’ + corrigere ‘to correct’.

Historical Usage:

The word "incorrigible" has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to someone who is beyond correction or reform.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Incorrigible optimist"

Explanation:

Referring to someone who remains hopeful or optimistic despite facing continuous difficulties or setbacks.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "incorrigible" with "unfixable".

Explanation:

While both words imply the inability to be corrected or reformed, "incorrigible" specifically refers to behavior or a person's character, whereas "unfixable" can be applied to various things that cannot be repaired or resolved.

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