incongruity

[ in-kuhn-groo-i-tee, -kuhng- ]

noun

, plural in·con·gru·i·ties

1. the quality or condition of being incongruous.
2. something incongruous.

incongruity

/ ˌɪnkɒŋˈɡruːɪtɪ /

noun

1. something incongruous
2. the state or quality of being incongruous

Word History and Origins

Origin of incongruity¹

From the Late Latin word incongruitās, dating back to 1525–35. See in- ³, congruity

Example Sentences

The incongruity of the lyrics and the peppy melody convey the pain she was experiencing at the height of her career.

From Los Angeles Times

The tool works through an algorithm which assesses incongruity.

From Science Daily

It’s a serious question, but onscreen it tends to turn into a comic showcase for the actors, who get to revel in performing the incongruity of one stable, established self invading another.

From New York Times

Despite the incongruity, the car's autopilot grabs control and swerves into a ditch.

From Science Daily

So it’s hard to fathom what drew him to “Jesus Christ Superstar,” a musical whose notoriety has been largely premised on the incongruity between its somber subject matter and its disarmingly peppy, down-with-the-kids lingo.

From New York Times

Related Words

• inconsistency