incongruent — not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈkɑːŋɡruənt/
Example Sentences
- His cheerful whistling was incongruent with the somber funeral atmosphere.
- The flamingo lawn ornament was hilariously incongruent with their minimalist garden design.
- Her constant giggling seemed incongruent with the serious nature of the job interview.
incongruent
ADJECTIVE[/ɪnˈkɑːŋɡruənt/]
not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something
His clown shoes look completely incongruent with the formal black tuxedo.
A fluent student in incongruent attire
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin, combining the prefix 'in-' (not) with 'congruere' (to agree or fit together), literally meaning 'not fitting together.' Originally used in mathematics to describe geometric figures that do not perfectly overlap, the term later generalized to mean 'not in agreement' or 'incompatible' in broader contexts.
Breakdown
in- (not, lack of) + congruere (to agree, fit together, correspond). The root 'congruere' derives from Latin 'congruus,' meaning harmonious or fitting.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His cheerful whistling was incongruent with the somber funeral atmosphere.”
“The flamingo lawn ornament was hilariously incongruent with their minimalist garden design.”
“Her constant giggling seemed incongruent with the serious nature of the job interview.”
“The medieval armor in his modern apartment was completely incongruent with the sleek furniture.”
📚Related Words
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