Words / C2

in-KONGR-oo-uh-s/ɪnˈkɒŋɡruəs/

Incongruous means out of place because it does not fit: look incongruous, an incongruous pairing. Odd and out of place are everyday; incongruity is the noun. Congruent is in agreement (maths and formal). Do not call a required fire notice incongruous because it spoils a photograph.

Meaning

Strange because it does not fit the surroundings or the rest.

Examples

• “A balloon arch looked incongruous beside the fire-door minute.”
• “Out of place is everyday. Incongruity is the noun. Congruent triangles match. A safety sign can clash with the bunting and still belong. Decor that hides an exit is the problem, not the minute.”

Good to know

Out of place; clashing. Everyday: out of place. Noun: incongruity. Opposite flavour: congruent. A needed notice is not a styling error.

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