| 释义 |
unˈalterable, a.
[un-1 7 b and 5 b.]
That cannot be altered or changed: a. In general use.
1611Florio, Inpermutabile, vnalterable. 1656Bramhall Replication 5 The essences of things are unalterable. 1694F. Bragge Disc. Parables xii. 397 Whatever alteration is made in the state..of the soul..shall be from henceforth for ever unalterable. 1729Pope Let. to Swift 9 Oct., The doctor is unalterable, both in friendship and quadrille. 1794Hutton Philos. Light, etc. 286 Space, which is unalterable, and in which bodies are conceived to move. 1815J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 451 Alone, it [sc. silex] is unalterable by the strongest heat. 1864Bowen Logic xii. 400 What is called physical necessity is nothing but a conviction that the relation of an Efficient Cause to its effect is unalterable.
b. Of resolves, decisions, laws, etc.
1631Gouge God's Arrows i. §67. 112 Vow with an unalterable resolution to performe what you vow. 1699Burnet 39 Art. xxxiv. 370 No rule made in such matters is to be held unalterable, but may be changed upon occasion. 1779Mirror No. 67, Her resolution was taken; and she repeatedly assured me, that her motives made it unalterable. 1781Cowper Conversat. 467 'Tis an unalterable fix'd decree, That none could frame or ratify but she. 1815J. Cormack Abol. Fem. Infanticide Guzerat x. 195 Not less unalterable did the Jahrejahs of Guzerat pronounce the horrid practice of infanticide. 1890‘R. Boldrewood’ Col. Reformer (1891) 199, I do not see why it should be an unalterable law.
c. Of feelings. (Common in 18th cent.)
1716Pope Let. to Lady Montagu 18 Aug., With all unalterable esteem and sincerity. 1776Mickle tr. Camoens' Lusiad Dissert. 160/1 Perceiving the unalterable hatred which the League bore to his religion. 1841Brewster Mart. Sci. ii. iii. (1856) 133 Tycho received..an assurance of his Majesty's unalterable attachment. |