congruous
UK[ˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əs]US[ˈkɑːŋ.ɡru.əs]
adj
suitable or appropriate in a particular situation; in agreement or harmony.
adj
(geometry) having the same size and shape; congruent.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
gru
ous
con
together
gru
agree
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word "congruous" originates from the latin "congruus", meaning "suitable, agreeing". this latin term is built upon the verb "congruere", which combines "con-" (together) and "gruere" (to fall, come together, agree). the underlying semantic notion is of things meeting or coming together in harmony. over time, this literal sense of physical agreement evolved into the modern abstract meanings of suitability, appropriateness, and logical consistency, as well as retaining its precise geometric sense of identical shape and size.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + gru (agree) + ous (adjective suffix)
- con: from latin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- gru: from latin root "gruere", a variant of "gru-" meaning "to agree, to come together".
- ous: from latin suffix "-osus", forming adjectives meaning "full of, characterized by".
Examples
the modern furniture seemed incongruous in the victorian drawing room.
his actions were congruous with his stated principles.
the two triangles are congruous, sharing identical angles and side lengths.