Agency Dictionary

Incongruous

adjectivePronunciation: /ɪnˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əs/

Arts, Music & Media

What does “Incongruous” mean?

Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. In artistic critique, it denotes striking dissonance between tone and theme.

Etymology

From Latin incongruus, "not fitting, not agreeing", from in- ("not") and congruus, "agreeing, consistent", from congruere, "to come together, to agree". The English adjective has been in use since the early 17th century. It describes something that is out of place or inconsistent with its surroundings.

Synonyms

inconsistent
incompatible
discordant
absurd
inappropriate

Word family

incongruity
congruous
congruent
congruence

Usage examples

The music of Led Zeppelin was traditionally seen as incongruous with godliness; this song in itself manifests precisely its message that God comes in forms society may not be quick to recognize.

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.14 - ZephyrApril 30, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

iconnoun: A simplified image that represents a thing by resembling it. In semiotics, a sign that signifies through likeness; in digital interfaces, a small picture that stands for an object or a function.
symbolismnoun: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, and the set of meanings that a form, an image or an object carries beyond its literal sense.
aestheticsnoun: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
Audiobooknoun: An audio recording of the narration of a book, enabling listening through digital playback devices.
bardnoun: A poet, musician, or storyteller who recites verses celebrating heroic deeds, historical events, and emotional journeys.
Conservatoirenoun: A specialized academy or college devoted to the study and master instruction of music or other performing arts.
Grungenoun: A subgenre of alternative rock characterized by distorted guitar riffs, heavy drumming, angst-filled lyrics, and an unpolished, stripped-down visual aesthetic. Popularized in Seattle, it defined nineties rock culture.
Guitaristnoun: A musician who plays the guitar with technical skill and artistic interpretation.
Intertextualitynoun: The complex relationship and dialogue between different texts and cultural expressions. It demonstrates how contemporary works constantly reference, adapt, and transform preceding ideas.
Interviewnoun: A structured conversation where one participant asks questions and the other provides answers, conducted for journalistic publication, academic research, or employment assessment.

Also from these editions: terms

Amalgamationnoun: The process of combining or uniting multiple distinct elements, genres, or organizations into a single coherent body. In music, it describes fusion between traditions.
Axiomnoun: A proposition or statement accepted as true without proof, serving as a premise for further reasoning. In logic, it forms the foundation of deductive systems.
Catharticadjective: Providing psychological relief through the open expression and release of strong or repressed emotions.
Deflectornoun: A device or shield designed to redirect the path of an oncoming particle, projectile, or beam of energy. In science fiction, it denotes protective barriers.
Dichotomynoun: A division or contrast between two things that are represented as entirely opposed or mutually exclusive. In cultural discourse, it often oversimplifies multifaceted realities.
Hermeneuticsnoun: The branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of literary texts and philosophical works. It examines how meaning is mediated through linguistic context.
Hiatusnoun: A pause or gap in a sequence, activity, or series of creative works. In the music industry, it denotes an indefinite period where a group halts collaborative production.
Messiahnoun: A leader or savior regarded as the liberator or redeemer of an oppressed group. In cultural commentary, it metaphorically denotes an artist upon whom followers project salvation.
Shrapnelnoun: Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion. In narrative storytelling, it symbolizes the sudden traumatic scatter of destructive forces.
Steadfastadjective: Resolutely firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or moral direction. In aesthetic philosophy, it characterizes an uncompromising dedication to truth.
Zephyrnoun: A light, gentle, and refreshing breeze that carries pleasant warmth or seasonal change. In literary usage, it symbolizes gentle inspiration and restorative movement.