incongruous

[in-kong-groo-uh s] /ɪnˈkɒŋ gru əs/

adjective

out of keeping or place; inappropriate; unbecoming:

an incongruous effect; incongruous behavior.

not harmonious in character; inconsonant; lacking harmony of parts:

an incongruous mixture of architectural styles.

inconsistent:

actions that were incongruous with their professed principles.

Origin

1605-15; < Latin incongruus inconsistent. See in-³, congruous

Related forms

incongruously, adverb

incongruousness, noun

Can be confused

congruous, congruent, incongruous, incongruent.

Synonyms

1. discrepant, unsuitable, ridiculous, ludicrous, absurd. 2. inharmonious, discordant. 3. contrary, contradictory. See inconsistent.

Antonyms

1. becoming, appropriate. 2. consonant. 3. consistent.

Examples from the web for incongruous

The two systems are at once perceived to be incongruous.
But they are more than incongruous-they are incompatible.
It's a funny reference, but it's also a clue to how she came to build her new sound, employing culturally incongruous elements.
Standing in blonde tresses and heels, she is a fabulously incongruous sight here in the mountains.
His early musical influences were somewhat incongruous: folk, delta blues and jug band music.
The group's composure seemed incongruous given that.
At first there seems to be something a bit incongruous here.

British Dictionary definitions for incongruous

incongruous

/ɪnˈkɒŋɡrʊəs/

adjective

when postpositive, foll by with or to. incompatible with (what is suitable); inappropriate

containing disparate or discordant elements or parts

Derived Forms

incongruously, incongruently, adverb
incongruousness, incongruence, noun

Contemporary definitions for incongruous

adjective

not congruous; disagreeing and inharmonious in character

Word Origin

Latin in- + congruere 'to come together'

adjective

disagreeing with circumstances; unsuitable, inappropriate

Word Origin

Latin in- + congruere 'to come together'

adjective

characterized by inconsistency

Word Origin

Latin in- + congruere 'to come together'

Word Origin and History for incongruous

adj.

1610s, from Latin incongruus "incongruous," from in- "not, opposite of, without" (see in- (1)) + congruus "fit, suitable" (see congruent). Related: Incongruously.