What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
congruent
Example
The two triangles are congruent because they have the same size and shape. [congruent: adjective]
Example
The values of x and y are congruent, meaning they are equal. [congruent: adjective]
Example
Her actions were congruent with her words, showing that she was sincere. [congruent: adjective]
identical
Example
The two keys are identical, so it doesn't matter which one you use. [identical: adjective]
Example
The identical twins were hard to tell apart. [identical: adjective]
Example
The two paintings were almost identical, but one had a slightly different shade of blue. [identical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Identical is more commonly used than congruent in everyday language, while congruent is more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between congruent and identical?
Congruent is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while identical is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.