First Known Use: 1611
Dictionary
incongruous
adjective in·con·gru·ous \(ˌ)in-ˈkäŋ-grə-wəs\
: strange because of not agreeing with what is usual or expected
Full Definition of INCONGRUOUS
: lacking congruity: as a : not harmonious : incompatible <incongruous colors> b : not conforming : disagreeing <conduct incongruous with principle> c : inconsistent within itself <an incongruous story> d : lacking propriety : unsuitable <incongruous manners>
— in·con·gru·ous·ly adverb
— in·con·gru·ous·ness noun
See incongruous defined for English-language learners
See incongruous defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of INCONGRUOUS
- There is something incongruous about Oslo. —Hugh C. McDonald, The Hour of the Blue Fox, 1975
- … it would be as incongruous to meet her at the end of a chapter as it would be to see the dawn break in the west … —Herman Wouk, Aurora Dawn, 1947
- He ate enormously, with a zest which seemed incongruous with his spare frame. —Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark, 1915
- [+]more
Origin of INCONGRUOUS
Late Latin incongruus, from Latin in- + congruus congruous
Related to INCONGRUOUS
- Synonyms
- amiss, graceless, improper, inapposite, inapt, inappropriate, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, untoward, wrong
INCONGRUOUS Defined for Kids
incongruous
adjective in·con·gru·ous \in-ˈkäŋ-grə-wəs\
Definition of INCONGRUOUS for Kids
: not proper, suitable, or in harmony <incongruous colors>
Learn More About INCONGRUOUS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: inconjunctPrevious Word in the Dictionary: incongruityAll Words Near: incongruous
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up incongruous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).