Incongruous vs. incongruent

Question

Which word, incongruous or incongruent, is correct in the following sentence:          That statement was indisputably ___________ with the definition of a shy man.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I don't like either one here, but I believe "incongruent" is the better choice.

Your statement really lacks the necessary parallelism. A is incongruent with B.

I think in terms of geometry, where we compare two similar things: "The two triangles are incongruent." Triangle A B C is incongruent with triangle D E F.

I'd use "incongruous" to say that something is out of place (or, doesn't fit) in a particular situation, or configuration. "Her appearance - wearing a formal gown to the church social, and then getting plastered - was completely incongruous."

We have to assume that in your example, the "statement" is supposedto be "the definition of a shy man" - something of a stretch.

Edit. Well, I suppose you're covered either way. My Am. Htg. gives a second definition for "incongruent" as "incongruous."
It also gives a second definition for "incongruous" as made up of disparate, inharmonious (discordant) parts. That is, the parts are parallel, but not in agreement. I'd save that sense for "incongruent." What do I know??

Anonymous · Answer

Maybe "incongruent" is the proper word for your sentence. I found a somewhat similar sentence in THE NEW OXFORD AMERICAN DICTIONARY: "The rules may NOT be CONGRUENT with the requirements of the law." PLEASE let us know if you discover the "correct" answer from another source.

Avangi · Answer

Don't know how I forgot to mention that my first thought was that the preposition "with" is a key in this particular case, as is born out in your quote. I don't hear (in)congruous with - although the dictionary definitions seem to allow it.
"Incongruous" is definitely the more popular term in general use.

Anonymous · Answer

Incongruent

Anonymous · Answer

Incongruent

The Best Geek · Answer

I think both " Incongruous" & "Incongruent" are eminently OK.

Just as "Incongruity" & "Incongruence" are same nouns with alternative inflection affixes.

Incongruous vs. incongruent

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