incongruity
UK[ˌɪnkɒŋˈɡruːəti]US[ˌɪnkɑːnˈɡruːəti]
n
The quality of being strange or not suitable in a particular situation.
n
Something that is strange or not suitable in a particular situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
congru
ity
in
not
congru
agree, fit
ity
state or quality
Etymology
The word 'incongruity' is built upon the Latin verb congruere, meaning "to come together, meet, agree." From this, congruus described things that were fitting or harmonious. The addition of the negative prefix in- creates a sense of "not agreeing" or "not fitting together." The suffix -ity then nominalizes this concept, forming a term for the state or an instance of being out of place, mismatched, or lacking harmony. Thus, the literal progression from "not coming together" evolved into the modern abstract meaning describing a lack of suitability or consistency.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + congru (agree, fit) + ity (state or quality)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not".
- congru: From Latin congruus (agreeing, suitable), itself from congruere (to come together, agree). It functions as the core root.
- ity: Latin suffix -itas, indicating a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
The incongruity between his formal speech and his casual clothes was noticeable.
She noted the incongruity of having a serious debate in such a frivolous setting.
The film's tone was marred by the incongruity of a violent scene in an otherwise lighthearted comedy.