adjective

congruent

KONG-groo-uhnt

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Congruent (adjective) means In geometry, having exactly the same shape and size, so that one figure can be laid over the other and match it point for point. Example: “The two triangles are congruent because all three sides are equal.”

adjective

technical In geometry, having exactly the same shape and size, so that one figure can be laid over the other and match it point for point.

"The two triangles are congruent because all three sides are equal."

"Rotating a shape does not stop it being congruent to the original."

In agreement with something else, or suitable to it.

"The policy is congruent with the values the company claims to hold."

"Her actions were not congruent with her stated beliefs."

How to use congruent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExactly matching, or fitting well with something else.

When to use it

The geometric sense is technical; the general sense is formal and common in psychology and management writing.

Memory tip

The symbol for congruence is a tilde over an equals sign; take care not to write it as a plain equals sign.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

similar → congruous → coherent →

Common pairings

congruent triangles congruent with congruent shapes mutually congruent

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “congruent” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The two triangles are _____ because all three sides are equal.

Etymology

From Latin congruent-, the present participle of congruere "to come together, agree".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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identical superimposable consistent compatible in harmony coherent matching congruous

Antonyms

incongruent incongruous inconsistent incompatible

Related words

very same different similar normal standard regular separate

Rhymes for congruent

fluent affluent frequent eloquent confluent subsequent delinquent constituent

See all rhymes for congruent →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between congruent and similar shapes?

Congruent shapes are the same shape and the same size; similar shapes are the same shape but may differ in size. Every pair of congruent figures is also similar, with a scale factor of one, but similar figures are only congruent when that scale factor is exactly one.

Does flipping or turning a shape make it non-congruent?

No. Congruence is preserved by rotation, reflection and translation, because none of these changes the lengths or angles. Only resizing, stretching or distorting the figure breaks congruence.

What is the difference between congruent and congruous?

They overlap, but congruent is now the standard word for both the geometric sense and the sense of being in agreement. Congruous is rare and survives mainly through its opposite, incongruous, meaning out of place or jarringly unsuitable.

What is the meaning of congruent?

"congruent" (adjective) means in geometry, having exactly the same shape and size, so that one figure can be laid over the other and match it point for point.

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very same different similar normal standard regular separate