incongruously
gb/ɪŋkˈɔŋɹuəsli/ us/ɪŋkˈɔŋɹuəsli/
C1
English
oda nem illően, ellentmondásosan, következetlenül
C1
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
incongruously + [adjective/verb phrase]
A neon sign glowed incongruously above the quiet village square.
Egy neonfelirat oda nem illően világított a csendes falusi téren.
He laughed incongruously during the serious briefing.
A komoly eligazítás közben oda nem illően nevetett fel.
The modern sofa sat incongruously among the antique furniture.
Learner examples
She was incongruously cheerful at the funeral.
A temetésen oda nem illően vidám volt.
The bright colors looked incongruously loud in the office.
Az élénk színek oda nem illően harsánynak hatottak az irodában.
Common mistake:
Often used for a mismatch in context; for simple contrast, learners may prefer "oddly" or "strangely."
Meaning
in a way that doesn’t fit
Collocations
incongruously dressed
|incongruously large
|incongruously small
|incongruously bright
|incongruously cheerful
|incongruously placed
|incongruously modern
|incongruously named
|incongruously positioned
|incongruously set
Synonyms
oddly (More general and less formal.)
|
strangely (Emphasizes unexpectedness, not necessarily mismatch.)
|
out of place (Directly highlights not fitting the context.)
Antonyms
appropriately (In a way that fits the situation.)
|
congruously (In a matching, consistent way.)
Themes
language
|writing
|arts_and_culture
Definition
In a way that looks or feels wrong for the situation.
In a way that seems out of place or does not match the surrounding situation, style, or context.
C2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
incongruously + [verb/adverbial phrase]
The report incongruously claims the policy succeeded while presenting only negative results.
A jelentés ellentmondásosan azt állítja, hogy az intézkedés sikeres volt, miközben csak negatív eredményeket mutat be.
His apology was incongruously followed by a joke about the incident.
Bocsánatot kért, majd ellentmondásosan még viccelődött is az esetről.
She spoke of fairness yet incongruously defended the obvious double standard.
Learner examples
His words did not match his actions; he acted incongruously.
A szavai nem egyeztek a tetteivel; következetlenül viselkedett.
The numbers incongruously support the opposite conclusion.
A számok ellentmondásosan épp az ellenkező következtetést támasztják alá.
Common mistake:
This sense overlaps with "inconsistently"; "incongruously" often suggests a noticeable mismatch rather than repeated changes over time.
Meaning
in a way that is inconsistent
Collocations
incongruously suggests
|incongruously implies
|incongruously claims
|incongruously argues
|incongruously combines
|incongruously contrasts
|incongruously with the evidence
|incongruously with earlier remarks
Synonyms
inconsistently (Focuses on lack of consistency, often across time or statements.)
|
illogically (Highlights faulty reasoning more than mismatch.)
Antonyms
consistently (In agreement with other facts or statements.)
|
coherently (Logically connected and easy to follow.)
Themes
communication
|reasoning
Definition
In a way that does not agree with what else is true or expected.
In a way that is inconsistent with other facts, statements, or expectations; not logically in agreement.
Grammar
Dictionary form
incongruously
IPA
GB/ɪŋkˈɔŋɹuəsli/
US/ɪŋkˈɔŋɹuəsli/
Syllables & stress
in - con - gru - ously (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (con)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: incongruously
- Plural: incongruouslies
Word family
Forms
incongruouslies
noun
Core family
incongruous
adjective C1
incongruity
noun C1
Related words
incongruent
adjective
incongruence
noun
Advanced or less common
congruent
adjective
congruence
noun
congruous
adjective
Expressions
incongruously enough
1/ɪŋkˈɔŋɹuəsli ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
formal
oddly, in a mismatched way
Used to say that something is strangely out of place or unexpected.
Examples
- Incongruously enough, the toughest critic was the only one who applauded.
- Incongruously enough, the meeting ended with a party atmosphere.
- Incongruously enough, he felt calmer after hearing the worst news.
Learner examples
- Incongruously enough, she smiled during the argument.