Incongruous

Adjective

Definition: Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something.

Definition: Inappropriate or unsuitable in a particular context.

Synonyms: Discordant, Mismatched, Out of place

Antonyms: Harmonious, Congruous, Fitting

Examples:
  • His loud laughter in a somber funeral was incongruous.
  • The modern art piece seemed incongruous in the classical museum.
Mnemonics:
  • "Incongruous" can be remembered as "not congruous", meaning not in agreement or harmony.
  • Think of the word "congruous" as being similar to "congruent" in geometry, which means matching or fitting perfectly. So incongruous is the opposite - not matching or fitting.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin 'incongruus', from in- 'not' + congruus 'becoming, agreeable' (from the verb congruere 'agree').

Historical Usage:

The word "incongruous" has been in use since the late Middle English period, maintaining its original meaning of not being in agreement or harmony.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Incongruous to a fault"

Explanation:

This expression emphasizes the extreme degree of not being in agreement or fitting properly.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "incongruous" with "congruous".

Explanation:

"Incongruous" means not in harmony or agreement, while "congruous" means in harmony or agreement. They have opposite meanings.

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