inexorably
Meaning: In a way that is impossible to stop or prevent; relentlessly and without yielding to any entreaty or effort to halt the process.
Inexorably adds dramatic weight to the idea of inevitability by emphasising that the force in question cannot be persuaded, deflected, or resisted. 'Inexorably drawn,' 'inexorably rising,' 'inexorably towards' — the word evokes a powerful, almost mechanical forward motion. It is a favourite of feature writers and historians describing large-scale social, economic, or political shifts. Unlike 'inevitably,' which simply states certainty, inexorably conveys relentless, unstoppable momentum.
Examples
- Sea levels are rising inexorably, threatening coastal communities from Norfolk to the Somerset Levels. 海平面正在不可抗拒地上升,威胁着从诺福克到萨默塞特低地的沿海社区。El nivel del mar está subiendo inexorablemente, amenazando a las comunidades costeras desde Norfolk hasta los Somerset Levels.海面は容赦なく上昇しており、ノーフォークからサマセット低地に至る沿岸部の地域社会を脅かしている。해수면은 가차 없이 상승하고 있으며, 노퍽에서 서머셋 저지대에 이르는 해안 지역 사회를 위협하고 있다.
- The investigation inexorably drew closer to the minister's inner circle as each witness testified. 随着每位证人的作证,调查不可抗拒地逼近了大臣的核心圈子。La investigación se acercó inexorablemente al círculo íntimo del ministro a medida que cada testigo declaraba.各証人が証言するにつれて、調査は大臣の側近に容赦なく迫っていった。각 증인이 증언할 때마다, 수사는 장관의 측근에게 가차 없이 다가갔다.
- The high street has been inexorably transformed by the shift to online shopping over the past decade. 过去十年来,实体商业街在网上购物的冲击下经历了不可逆转的变革。Las calles comerciales se han transformado inexorablemente por el auge de las compras en línea en la última década.商店街は、この10年間でオンラインショッピングへの移行により止めようもなく変貌を遂げた。상가는 지난 10년간 온라인 쇼핑으로의 전환에 의해 거침없이 변모해 왔다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, literary, academic
Tone: emphatic
Origin & History
From Latin inexorabilis (relentless, not to be moved by entreaty), from in- (not) + exorabilis (able to be moved by pleading), from exorare (to prevail upon). Entered English in the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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