incongruity etymology

Etymology:

The word "incongruity" is derived from two Latin words:

  • "in-" (meaning "not" or "opposite")
  • "congruus" (meaning "fitting" or "agreeing")

Meaning:

Incongruity refers to something that is out of place, inappropriate, or unexpected. It creates a sense of discomfort or surprise because it doesn't fit in with the surrounding context or expectations.

Origin:

The concept of incongruity has been recognized and discussed for centuries. Ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle wrote about the importance of harmony and balance, and how incongruity can create dissonance and disruption.

In the 16th century, the English philosopher Thomas More wrote about the concept of "disproportion," which is closely related to incongruity. More argued that when two things or events are disproportionate in terms of their size, importance, or appropriateness, it creates a sense of unease and instability.

The term "incongruity" was first used in the 18th century by the Scottish philosopher David Hume. Hume argued that incongruity is a key factor in humor, as it surprises the audience and creates a sense of the unexpected.

Examples:

  • A person wearing a tuxedo at the beach
  • A serious politician telling a joke
  • A horror movie set in a brightly colored, cheerful environment
  • A painting of a horse with six legs

incongruity relate terms

  • congruity

    Etymology The word congruity comes from the Latin word congruere meaning to agree

  • congruent

    Etymology Latin congruens present participle of congruere meaning to come toget

  • enemy

    Etymology The word enemy comes from the Old French word ennemi which in turn is der

  • inconvenience

    Etymology The word inconvenience is derived from the Latin word inconveniens which m

  • dissonance

    Etymology From Middle English desonance from Old French disonance from Latin dissonan

  • solecism

    Etymology Late Latin solecis impropriety of speech grammatical error Greek soloiki

  • bull

    Etymology The word bull comes from the Middle English word bulle which in turn came

  • irony

    Etymology Derived from Late Latin irōnĭa from Greek εἰρωνεία eirōneía

  • year

    Etymology The word year comes from the Middle English word yer which in turn derive

  • zodiac

    Etymology The word zodiac is derived from the Late Latin word zōdiacus which in tur

  • party

    Etymology The word party comes from the Old French word partie which means part po

  • dominion

    Etymology Latin dominium lordship dominion Proto Indo European dem to tame s

  • premium

    Etymology The word premium comes from the Latin word praemium meaning reward or