congruent
Definitions
In agreement or consistent with something; fitting well together
一致的，相符的，协调的
(geometry) Having exactly the same shape and size, so as to coincide exactly when superimposed
（几何）全等的（形状和大小完全相同）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + gru (run together, meet) + -ent (adj.) = 'coming together to meet / coinciding.' When two things meet so cleanly they line up everywhere, they agree — hence 'consistent.' In geometry the literal image survives: two figures are congruent when they coincide exactly if laid one on the other (same shape and size).
Root gru still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
- Everyday/formal: 'congruent with X' = consistent or in harmony with X — the most common use (a decision congruent with our strategy).
- Geometry (technical): 'congruent triangles/figures' = identical in shape and size. Don't confuse with 'similar,' which allows different sizes.
- Pattern: usually 'congruent with,' occasionally 'congruent to' in mathematics.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her actions were entirely congruent with the values she preached.
- 2.
We need a marketing message congruent with the product's premium image.
- 3.
The two triangles are congruent, so all their corresponding sides are equal.
- 4.
His relaxed tone wasn't congruent with the seriousness of the news.
Easily Confused
congruent vs similar (geometry) — Congruent figures are identical in shape AND size and would coincide exactly. Similar figures share the same shape but can differ in size (one is a scaled copy of the other). Same shape only → similar; same shape and size → congruent.