What does incorrigibly mean?
Incorrigibly means in a way that cannot be corrected, improved, or reformed. It describes behavior, attitudes, habits, or commitments that persist despite attempts to change them, and it often carries a strong suggestion of stubbornness or principle. The word is commonly used with qualities such as optimistic, mischievous, honest, or pessimistic: an incorrigibly optimistic person continues to hope despite setbacks, while an incorrigibly mischievous child continues causing trouble regardless of correction. Unlike simply saying that someone is persistent, "incorrigibly" emphasizes the apparent impossibility of changing the underlying attitude or conduct. It can be approving when it describes unwavering loyalty or devotion, but it is often humorous or mildly disapproving when applied to bad habits and repeated misbehavior. Although related to the adjective "incorrigible," it is a distinct adverb and should be used to modify a verb or another adverb.
adverbIn a way that cannot be corrected, improved, or reformed; stubbornly and unchangeably.
- In a manner that cannot be corrected, improved, or reformed; persistently and unchangeably.
"He remained incorrigibly optimistic despite every setback."
"The child was incorrigibly mischievous despite repeated warnings."
"She remained incorrigibly faithful to principles she had adopted as a young woman."
Some mistakes can be corrected, but an incorrigibly bad habit has to be managed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incorrigibly come from?
The word is an English formation based on "incorrigible," which was derived from Latin elements meaning "not" and "to correct." The underlying Latin verb "corrigere" means "to set right" or "to correct" and is related to English words such as "correct," "correction," and "corrigible." The adverbial form "incorrigibly" developed in English during the early modern period from this established vocabulary of correction and resistance to it.
Related word forms
How incorrigibly is actually used
More emphatic and literary than "stubbornly" or "persistently"; it suggests not merely continuing behavior but an entrenched resistance to correction or change.
Easily confused with incorrigibly
Incorrigible is an adjective describing someone or something that cannot be corrected, whereas incorrigibly is the adverb describing how that stubbornness is manifested.