irrefragable

1 of 2

adjective

ir·​re·​fra·​ga·​ble i-ˈre-frə-gə-bəl 

ˌi(r)-;

ˌir-i-ˈfra-gə-

1

: impossible to refute

irrefragable arguments

2

: impossible to break or alter

irrefragable rules

irrefragability

i-ˌre-frə-gə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌi(r)-;

ˌir-i-ˌfra-gə-

noun

irrefragably

i-ˈre-frə-gə-blē 

ˌi(r)-;

ˌir-i-ˈfra-gə-

adverb

irrefragability

2 of 2

noun

ir·​ref·​ra·​ga·​bil·​i·​ty (¦)i(r)ˌrefrəgəˈbilətē 

əˌ-, 

(¦)iəˌ-

: the quality or state of being irrefragable

Did you know?

Since at least 1533, irrefragable has been used as an English adjective modifying things (such as arguments or data) that are impossible to refute. It derives from the Late Latin adjective irrefragabilis (of approximately the same meaning), which is itself derived from the Latin verb refragari, meaning "to oppose or resist." Irrefragable rather quickly developed a second sense referring to things (such as rules, laws, and even objects) that cannot be broken or changed. There was once also a third sense that applied to inflexible or obstinate people.

Synonyms of irrefragable

Adjective

• irrefutable
• incontrovertible
• conclusive
• indisputable
• unquestionable
• indubitable
• incontestable
• unanswerable
• undeniable
• unarguable
• unchallengeable
• positive
• definite
• inarguable

Examples of irrefragable in a Sentence

Adjective

the prosecutor painstakingly built an irrefragable case

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin irrefragabilis, from Latin in- + refragari to oppose, from re- + -fragari (as in suffragari to vote for); akin to Latin suffragium suffrage

First Known Use

Adjective

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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