What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incongruous
Example
The bright pink dress looked incongruous at the funeral. [incongruous: adjective]
Example
The heavy metal music was incongruous with the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant. [incongruous: adjective]
discordant
Example
The musicians played discordant notes, causing the audience to wince. [discordant: adjective]
Example
The political candidates had discordant views on healthcare reform. [discordant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incongruous is more commonly used than discordant in everyday language. Incongruous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while discordant is more limited in scope and less commonly used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between incongruous and discordant?
Both incongruous and discordant are formal words that are more likely to be used in academic or professional settings than in casual conversation.
