noun
incongruity
in-kun-GROO-uh-tee/ˌɪnkənˈɡruːəti/
A mismatch or lack of harmony between things.
The muddy boot creates an incongruity among the elegant teacups.
Etymology
The base names agreement or harmony between things; in- negates that fit. The word shifted from the quality of not agreeing to a particular thing that clashes with its setting.
In context
The incongruity of a sad solitary girl like Sisily nursing her grief in a public vehicle packed with curious chattering trippers did not seem to have occurred to her.
More examples
- We laugh at the incongruity of serving fancy food on paper plates.
- The glass tower is an incongruity among the old brick houses.
- Her speech reveals several incongruities between the company's promises and its actions.
Forms
incongruity · incongruities
incongruous adjective — Not fitting naturally with the surroundings.
Similar words
- mismatch
- Emphasizes things being poorly paired or unsuited to each other.
- discrepancy
- Usually concerns differences between facts, figures, or accounts.
- disharmony
- Emphasizes conflict or lack of unity rather than unexpected contrast.