1
Core relationship
Without being affected, changed, or determined by the factor named.
Example
The service is available regardless of income.
regardless of
/rɪˈɡɑːdləs əv/ · ri-GARD-lus uvunaffected-condition phrase
Without being affected, changed, or determined by the factor named.
Use regardless of to express this relationship precisely: without being affected, changed, or determined by the factor named.
What regardless of Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Noun-phrase frame
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
All records must be retained regardless of the case's outcome.
3
Analytical use
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The association appears regardless of sample size.
Use regardless of Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The service is available regardless of income.
All records must be retained regardless of the case's outcome.
The association appears regardless of sample size.
Precision Matters
Regardless of overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
regardless of
vs.Means without being affected, changed, or determined by the factor named.
irrespective of
Means without being affected or determined by the factor named.
regardless of
vs.Means without being affected, changed, or determined by the factor named.
in spite of
Means despite a fact or condition that might have been expected to prevent the result.
regardless of
vs.Means without being affected, changed, or determined by the factor named.
despite
Means without being prevented or changed by the factor named in the following noun phrase.
regardless of
vs.Means without being affected, changed, or determined by the factor named.
subject to
Means dependent on a condition, governed by a rule, or vulnerable to an influence or change.
Test regardless of in Context
Ownership does not affect whether the rule applies.
1
The safety rule applies ___ whether the equipment is owned or rented.