Incongruous

Not in harmony with the surroundings; inappropriate or out of place.

adjective

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Imagine This

Two pathways in a serene forest, one made of colorful pebbles and the other of smooth stones, intertwining but differing in texture and color, symbolizing the concept of incongruity as they lead to a harmonious clearing filled with vibrant flowers.

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Sounds Like

in-KON-GROO-uhs

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Looks Like

Not congruent (not the same)

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Remember This

Remember this: incongruous is the opposite of congruous; it describes things that clash with their context or expectations.

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Other Forms

incongruentadjective

incongruitynoun

incongruouslyadverb

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Connect With

congruent, congruous, harmonious, discordant, out of place, incompatible

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Note

Use incongruous to describe mismatched appearances, ideas, or actions. Do not confuse with similar-sounding words like inconsequential or inconvenient.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The modern sculpture looked incongruous among the classical statues in the museum.
Wearing a neon hoodie to a formal dinner would be incongruous and distracting.

Synonyms

inappropriatediscordantout of placeincongruentincompatible

Antonyms

congruentcongruousappropriate

Etymology

From Latin incongruus 'not fitting together,' from in- 'not' + congruus 'fitting together' (from con- 'together' + congruus).

Mnemonic

IN + CONGRUOUS = NOT FITTING; picture a formal tuxedo at a tropical beach—totally incongruous.