Without taking something into account; regardless of a particular fact or condition.
“Irrespective of the cost, supporters argue that expanding public transit benefits the whole city.”
“The columnist maintains that homework should be reduced, irrespective of how other schools handle it.”
In Reading Part 4 passages, writers use 'irrespective of' to show their opinion holds true no matter what counterargument is raised. Watch for it when an author is dismissing an objection rather than directly engaging with it. Spotting this phrase helps you quickly identify which side is standing firm on its position.
Synonyms: regardless of, despite, notwithstanding