inviolable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inviolable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be trespassed, violated, or broken, such as a fundamental principle or law. For example, you could say "The inviolable rule of law must be respected by all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sturgeon is expected to tell the prime minister that the SNP's election landslide, which saw it win 56 out of Scotland's 59 Westminster seats, sweeping aside decades of Labour dominance, had given her government an inviolable mandate to seek new powers for Holyrood.

The Guardian

Yet ultimately there is little scope for either the G10 group or the commission to interfere in member states' pricing policies, or in the existing parallel trade, because they fall under two inviolable principles of the EU: subsidiarity and the free movement of goods.Brussels can merely try to encourage more harmony, and less clutter, in Europe's various regulatory systems.

The Economist

The Arctic, no longer distant or inviolable, has emerged, almost overnight, as a powerful symbol of the age of man.

The Economist

Since the world war, they have provided most of the foreign ministers who have embodied Germany's belief in a Jewish state's inviolable right to exist.

The Economist

A mass rally in Pyongyang this week to swear allegiance to Mr Kim junior on behalf of the 1.2m members of the army, made the pledge to "wipe out the enemies to the last one if they intrude into the inviolable sky, land and seas of the country even 0.001mm".

The Economist

Part of the trouble is that Mr Putin plays by different rules; indeed, for him, there are no inviolable rules, nor universal values, nor even cast-iron facts (such as who shot down flight MH17).

The Economist

He said it was important, in general, to let precedents stand, but admitted that this was not an inviolable rule.

The Economist

If Mr Blair can convince voters that his red lines really are inviolable, he might be in with a chance.

The Economist

India has accepted the principle of talking to militant Kashmiri groups it considers terrorists, and given ground on the formerly inviolable (and, to the militants, unacceptable) principle that all sides should, as a condition of dialogue, pledge loyalty to India's constitution in advance.

The Economist

The constitution keeps the king "inviolable", and so above the law.

The Economist

It has long been an unwritten rule of China's power politics that men of Mr Zhou's stature were inviolable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about fundamental rights or principles, use "inviolable" to emphasize their absolute protection and importance. This adds weight and authority to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "inviolable" in contexts where the subject is not inherently deserving of utmost protection or where the situation is not serious. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "inviolable" functions to describe something that is immune from violation or infringement. Ludwig AI confirms its use in contexts where the subject is to be regarded as absolutely protected or sacrosanct. For example, it modifies nouns such as "rights", "principles", or "territory", underscoring their protected status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "inviolable" is used to describe something that must not be violated or infringed. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts such as news, legal documents, and academic writing. It conveys a sense of absolute protection and is often used to describe rights, principles, or agreements. Synonyms include "sacrosanct" and "unassailable". When using "inviolable", ensure the context warrants such a strong assertion of protection, and avoid using it in trivial or less serious situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inviolate

Direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being untouched or pure.

sacrosanct

Implies a higher degree of sanctity, often associated with religious or deeply revered concepts.

immune to violation

Specifically emphasizes the state of being protected from being violated.

protected from infringement

Highlights the legal or ethical aspect of preventing unauthorized use or breach.

unassailable

Indicates an inability to be attacked or challenged, stressing the strength of its defense.

impregnable

Suggests a fortress-like quality, resistant to any form of invasion or breach.

unbreakable

Focuses on the resilience and inability to be broken or destroyed.

unbreachable

Highlights the impossibility of creating an opening or gap in its defense.

untouchable

Emphasizes the prohibition against physical or metaphorical contact, often due to status or law.

secure from intrusion

Highlights the protected nature against unwanted entry or interference.

FAQs

How is the term "inviolable" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "inviolable" describes rights or principles that are considered fundamental and cannot be legally infringed upon. Examples include the "inviolable right to privacy" or the "inviolable right to due process".

What are some synonyms for "inviolable" that can be used in different contexts?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "inviolable" include "sacrosanct", "unassailable", "immune to violation", or "protected from infringement". Each word has a slightly different nuance, affecting its appropriateness in various scenarios.

Is it correct to say something is "mostly inviolable"?

The term "inviolable" implies an absolute quality of being protected from violation. Saying something is "mostly inviolable" introduces ambiguity and weakens the concept. It's better to rephrase using terms like "highly protected" or "generally respected" if there are exceptions.

What is the difference between "inviolable" and "inalienable"?

"Inviolable" means something cannot be violated or infringed, while "inalienable" refers to rights that cannot be taken away or transferred. While both describe strong protections, "inalienable" focuses on the impossibility of rights being removed, and "inviolable" focuses on the impossibility of those rights being breached.