Incongruities

Incongruities are discrepancies or inconsistencies between things that are not in harmony with each other or are unsuitable for their surroundings. They represent a lack of agreement or appropriateness, often causing surprise, amusement, or bewilderment. These discrepancies can exist in various forms, including ideas, behaviors, objects, or statements. Recognizing incongruities often involves an ability to perceive contrasts and unexpected juxtapositions, highlighting a mismatch that disrupts a perceived pattern or expectation. The impact of incongruities ranges from mild amusement to significant cognitive dissonance depending on the context.

Incongruities meaning with examples

• The comedian's performance was filled with delightful incongruities, as he paired sophisticated vocabulary with slapstick comedy, creating hilarious juxtapositions. His act's success was in creating surprising comedic results. The audience enjoyed his comedic skills as he expertly navigated the contrasting elements and received great applause.
• In the historical novel, the anachronistic presence of a smartphone within a medieval setting was a striking incongruity. Readers are left with a comical thought. The device's technological advancement seemed extremely out of place and jarred the historical setting and challenged readers to engage in the fantasy. The novelist's skill was clear.
• Her response, a flippant joke during a serious discussion about national tragedy, was a jarring incongruity. It was received poorly. The lack of emotional alignment between the subject matter and her comment created a sense of unease and insensitivity. The tension was palpable and the situation was awkward.
• The architect's design for the modern skyscraper deliberately incorporated whimsical incongruities, like a gargoyle on the roof. His goal was a mix of old and new. This playful juxtaposition challenged the conventional definition of modern architecture. The design provoked lively debate and brought much discussion.
• The critic pointed out the stylistic incongruities within the film, noting a jarring shift in tone and visual style between the first and second halves of the narrative, affecting the film's cohesiveness and consistency. This divided audience. The effect was a weaker impact on viewers.