C2adverbformallanguagearts
US/ˌɪn.kənˈɡruː.əs.li/
UK/ˌɪn.kənˈɡruː.əs.li/
in a way that looks strange or out of place because it does not fit with its surroundings
In context
A neon sign glowed incongruously above the entrance of the ancient stone church.
He was dressed incongruously in a heavy winter coat on the hottest day of summer.
The cheerful pop song played incongruously during the solemn funeral service.
Words that go with incongruously
verb + adverb
- sit incongruouslyA modern glass tower sits incongruously beside the old market.
- dressed incongruouslyShe was dressed incongruously for a business meeting.
- look incongruouslyThe tiny car looked incongruously small next to the truck.
adverb + adjective
- incongruously cheerfulHe was incongruously cheerful at the end of a terrible day.
- incongruously modernThe kitchen was incongruously modern for such an old farmhouse.
- incongruously largeAn incongruously large painting hung in the small hallway.