Incongruous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คช
incongruous
[ษชnหkษลษกruษs ]
Definitions
in a sentence
Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something; not in place.
Synonyms
discordant, inappropriate, out of place.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incongruous |
When something doesn't match the surroundings or situation; lacks harmony with its environment or context.
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| inappropriate |
Applicable when something is not suited to the context, often implying a breach of etiquette or social norms.
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| out of place |
When something or someone does not belong in a specific setting or situation, feeling awkward or alien.
|
| discordant |
Used to describe something that creates a jarring or unharmonious effect, often in sound but can also be in broader contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The modern architecture looked incongruous in the historic town.
- His jokes were incongruous with the serious tone of the meeting.
- The bright pink curtains seemed incongruous in the otherwise neutral room.
in a sentence
Lacking in harmony; incompatible or inconsistent.
Synonyms
incompatible, inconsistent, unfitting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incongruous |
This word is used when something does not fit in a particular situation because it is strange or not in harmony with its surroundings. It suggests a sense of something being out of place.
|
| inconsistent |
Describes something that does not stay the same throughout, showing a lack of coherence or regularity. It is often used to highlight changes or deviations over time.
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| incompatible |
Used to describe things or people that cannot exist together or be combined because their differences are too significant. It emphasizes a fundamental conflict or mismatch.
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| unfitting |
Used to describe something that is inappropriate or unsuitable for a particular purpose or situation. It usually carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of appropriateness.
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Examples of usage
- His actions were incongruous with his words.
- The incongruous mixture of styles in the artwork confused the critics.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Incongruity can trigger humor; jokes often rely on surprising or unexpected pairings.
- Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals experience discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs, leading them to seek harmony.
- Psychologically, noticing incongruity can enhance learning by encouraging critical thinking and adaptability.
Art and Literature
- In literature, authors often use incongruity to highlight characters' flaws or to create comedic effect.
- Visual artists might intentionally create incongruous elements in paintings to challenge viewersโ perceptions.
- The surrealist movement celebrated incongruity, merging the unusual with the ordinary to provoke thought.
Pop Culture
- Many sitcoms feature incongruous scenarios, where characters find themselves in ridiculous or ill-suited situations for comedic effect.
- In movies, juxtaposing serious themes with absurd elements creates a compelling narrative tension.
- Popular memes often exploit incongruity, combining images and captions that don't logically connect, resulting in humor.
Communication
- Using incongruity in speech can make ideas more memorable, as the unexpected draws attention.
- Politicians sometimes employ incongruous statements to make serious subjects more relatable and engaging.
- Incongruity in body language, such as laughing while discussing something sad, can cause confusion or highlight contradictions.
Origin of 'incongruous'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'incongruous' comes from the Latin word 'incongruens', which means 'not agreeing' or 'not fitting together'.
- It has been used in English since the early 19th century, originally used in philosophy and literature.
- The prefix 'in-' indicates negation, emphasizing the lack of harmony or compatibility.
The word 'incongruous' originated from the Latin word 'incongruus', meaning 'incongruous' or 'inconsistent'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The prefix 'in-' signifies 'not' or 'opposite' while 'congruous' comes from 'congruus', meaning 'agreeing or corresponding'. Over the years, 'incongruous' has evolved to represent something that is out of place or inconsistent with its surroundings.