Incongruity - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Incongruity refers to a lack of harmony or consistency, where elements seem out of place or contradictory. It is often used to highlight absurdity or unexpected contrasts in situations, ideas, or appearances.
Definition:
Lack of harmony or consistency; something that does not fit its context.
Synonyms:
Inconsistency, discrepancy, mismatch, absurdity
Part of Speech:
Noun
Antonyms:
Harmony, consistency
Common Collocations:
Striking incongruity, obvious incongruity, cultural incongruity, humorous incongruity
Derivatives:
Incongruous, incongruously
Usage Tips:
Use "incongruity" to describe something that seems out of place or illogical in a given situation.
Common Phrases:
Comic incongruity, jarring incongruity, glaring incongruity
Etymology:
From Latin *incongruus* ("unsuitable"), combining *in-* ("not") + *congruus* ("agreeing").
Examples:
- 1. The incongruity between his words and actions confused everyone.
- 2. Her bright pink hat was an incongruity at the formal event.
- 3. The film’s tone shifted with jarring incongruity.
- 4. He noticed the incongruity in her story immediately.