incongruous
UK: ɪnˈkɒŋɡruəs | US: ɪnˈkɑːŋɡruəs
adj. not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something
adj. lacking consistency or logical coherence
incongruous = in<not> + congru<agree, harmonize> + ous<adjective suffix>
- in: Latin prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- congru: Derived from Latin congruus (agreeing, suitable), from congruere (to come together, correspond).
- ous: Suffix forming adjectives, indicating possession or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word incongruous traces back to Latin incongruus, combining in- (not) and congruus (fitting, harmonious). The root congruere (to meet, agree) reflects the idea of things "coming together" logically or aesthetically. Over time, incongruous evolved in English (early 17th century) to describe things that clash or lack harmony, preserving the Latin logic of negation (in-) + harmony (congru-).
The modern art sculpture looked incongruous in the classical gallery.
His cheerful demeanor was incongruous with the somber mood of the funeral.
The mismatched colors created an incongruous effect in the design.
The sudden joke felt incongruous in her otherwise serious speech.
The futuristic building seemed incongruous amid the historic neighborhood.