ir

Everyday

1. «Ir-» is a prefix meaning «not», used before words beginning with «r», as in irregular (not regular), irresponsible (not responsible) and irrelevant (not relevant). tree →
2. «IR» is a short form for infrared, light just beyond red that we cannot see but feel as heat, used in TV remote controls. tree →
3. «Ir» is the chemical symbol for the element iridium. tree →
4. (Irish, Scots, slang) In some written dialect, «ir» may stand for «our» or «are». tree →

In the lessons

In spelling lessons, «ir-» explains the double r in words like «irregular» and «irresistible»: ir + regular. In science lessons, IR (infrared) cameras see heat and remote controls send IR signals. It is not a word on its own in standard English.

Examples

• «Irregular» means «not regular»; the «ir-» means not. tree →
• The TV remote sends an IR signal to the television. tree →
• An IR camera can show warm animals at night. tree →
• Add «ir-» to «responsible» to make «irresponsible». tree →
• «Ir» is the symbol for iridium on the periodic table. tree →
• Irrelevant means not connected to the topic. tree →

Note

Not an English word on its own. As a prefix it doubles the «r»: ir + rational = irrational. Other «not» prefixes: un-, in-, im- (before m, p, b), il- (before l). «IR» in capitals is an abbreviation.

In Jewish tradition

In spelling lessons, «ir-» explains the double r in words like «irregular» and «irresistible»: ir + regular. In science lessons, IR (infrared) cameras see heat and remote controls send IR signals. It is not a word on its own in standard English.

Examples

• Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and Rehoboth-ir, and Calah, (Torah GEN.10.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto Ir-moab, which is on the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border. (Torah NUM.22.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the border of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh; (Prophets JOS.19.41, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Eshton begot Beth-rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. (Writings 1CH.4.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Shuppim also, and Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, the son of another. (Writings 1CH.7.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Not an English word on its own. As a prefix it doubles the «r»: ir + rational = irrational. Other «not» prefixes: un-, in-, im- (before m, p, b), il- (before l). «IR» in capitals is an abbreviation.