Immutable

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Incapable of being changed, altered, or modified in any way
2. Unable to be changed, altered, or transformed under any circumstances
3. Remaining constant and unalterable regardless of attempts to modify or adjust

Etymology: "Immutable" is a plain construction: the prefix "im-", meaning "not," attached to "mutable," which means "able to change." The prefix is a Latin negating element, so the word's logic is transparent. Its Latin ancestor, "immūtābilis," meant "unchangeable," built from "in-" (not) and "mūtābilis" (changeable), which itself comes from "mūtāre," "to change." The word reached English in Middle English, borrowed directly from that Latin form rather than arriving through French. Its earliest English uses were largely in theological and philosophical writing, where it described qualities thought to be fixed and permanent, such as the nature of God or certain moral truths. This explains its solemn tone, which has stayed with it.

Synonyms: unchangeable

Antonyms: changeable