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incongruous

Adjective

IPA /ɪnˈkɒŋɡruəs/

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Meaning in plain English

Looking or seeming strange because it does not fit the surroundings, situation or other things present.

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Pronunciation

incongruous/ɪnˈkɒŋɡruəs/

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Elegant wedding decorations
Muddy hiking boots among the guests

The boots look incongruous because they do not fit the setting.

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His muddy hiking boots looked incongruous beside the elegant wedding decorations.
The playful cartoon seemed incongruous in an otherwise serious research presentation.

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His muddy hiking boots looked ________ beside the elegant wedding decorations.

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incongruous — Looking or seeming strange because it does not fit the surroundings, situation or other things present.

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Looking or seeming strange because it does not fit the surroundings, situation or other things present.

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Word origin

From Latin incongruus, meaning unsuitable or not in agreement, with the ending -ous.

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Something can seem, look or feel incongruous in a particular setting.

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