DEAR MISS MANNERS: Recently I overheard a conversation in which my boss used the term "irregardless" several times. It is obvious that she does not know that "irregardless" is not a word. What would be the most respectful way of correcting her?
GENTLE READER: Miss Manners suggests that you think about another word: "disregard."
One meaning of "to disregard" is to show a lack of respect for other people, which is what you would be doing if you corrected one of your boss's overheard conversations. Another meaning is to ignore something, which is what respect requires you to do here.
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