incongruent
/in'kɔɳgruənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not congruent; lacking harmony, agreement, or compatibility: Describes things that do not match, fit together, or correspond in character, form, or function. It often implies a noticeable mismatch or inconsistency.
- In mathematics, specifically geometry: Describes figures or shapes that are not identical in form and size; they cannot be made to coincide exactly by rotation or translation.
Usage
- The adjective "incongruent" is used to describe a state of being out of place, inconsistent, or mismatched. It is often applied to ideas, statements, elements, or visual components.
- It can be used predicatively (e.g., "The two ideas are incongruent") or attributively (e.g., "an incongruent statement").
Examples
- General Use:
- His cheerful demeanor was incongruent with the somber news he had just delivered.
- The modern glass extension felt incongruent with the historic architecture of the original building.
- Mathematical Use:
- The two triangles are incongruent; their side lengths are different.
Advanced Usage
- In Psychology/Cognitive Dissonance: Refers to conflicting attitudes, thoughts, or beliefs held simultaneously by an individual, creating mental discomfort.
- Experiencing incongruent beliefs about health can lead to stress.
- In Communication: Describes a mismatch between verbal and non-verbal messages.
- Her words of praise were delivered with an incongruent tone of sarcasm.
Variants and Related Words
- Incongruence (noun): The state or quality of being incongruent.
- The incongruence between his actions and his words was confusing.
- Incongruous (adjective): Similar in meaning but often used to describe something that is strikingly out of place or absurd in its context.
- The clown at the formal dinner was an incongruous sight.
Synonyms
- Inconsistent: Not staying the same throughout; containing parts that do not agree.
- Incompatible: Incapable of existing together in harmony.
- Discordant: Disagreeing or incongruous; lacking in harmony.
- Mismatched: Unsuitably or incorrectly paired.
Antonyms
- Congruent: In agreement or harmony; corresponding.
- Consistent: Acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.
- Compatible: Able to exist or occur together without conflict.
- Harmonious: Forming a pleasing or consistent whole.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Stick out like a sore thumb: To be very obviously different or incongruent in a particular situation. (This idiom conveys a similar idea of being noticeably out of place.)
- The bright red sofa stuck out like a sore thumb in the minimalist, white room.