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
- His loud laughter in a somber funeral was incongruous.
- The modern art piece seemed incongruous in the classical museum.
- "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:
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:
"Incongruous to a fault"
Explanation:This expression emphasizes the extreme degree of not being in agreement or fitting properly.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "incongruous" with "congruous".
Explanation:"Incongruous" means not in harmony or agreement, while "congruous" means in harmony or agreement. They have opposite meanings.