What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incongruent
Example
The bright pink walls are incongruent with the minimalist decor. [incongruent: adjective]
Example
His words and actions were incongruent, causing confusion among his colleagues. [incongruent: adjective]
discrepant
Example
The results of the two experiments were discrepant, indicating a need for further investigation. [discrepant: adjective]
Example
There was a discrepant account of what happened that night, leading to confusion among the witnesses. [discrepant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discrepant is less common than incongruent in everyday language. Incongruent is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while discrepant is more specific and often used in technical or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incongruent and discrepant?
Both incongruent and discrepant are formal words that are more likely to be used in academic or technical writing than in casual conversation.
