Definitions and Examples of congruent, equal, identical
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Having the same shape and size; coinciding exactly when superimposed.
Example
The two triangles were congruent because all their corresponding sides and angles were equal.
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
Example
The two boxes had equal volumes, but one was taller than the other.
Being the same in every way; exactly alike.
Example
The twins looked so identical that even their parents had trouble telling them apart.
Key Differences: congruent vs equal vs identical
- 1Congruent refers to objects or shapes that have the same size and shape, while equal refers to objects or quantities that have the same value or amount.
- 2Identical refers to objects or people that are exactly alike in every way.
- 3Noncongruent is a term used to describe objects or shapes that do not have the same size, shape, or orientation.
Effective Usage of congruent, equal, identical
- 1Mathematics: Use congruent to describe geometric figures that have the same size and shape.
- 2Quantities: Use equal to describe quantities that have the same value or amount.
- 3People and Objects: Use identical to describe people or objects that are exactly alike.
- 4Contrast: Use noncongruent to contrast with congruent and emphasize differences in size, shape, or orientation.
Remember this!
The antonyms of noncongruent are congruent, equal, and identical. Use congruent to describe geometric figures that have the same size and shape, equal to describe quantities that have the same value or amount, and identical to describe people or objects that are exactly alike. Use noncongruent to contrast with congruent and emphasize differences in size, shape, or orientation.
