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. Example: “The two triangles are congruent because all three sides are equal.”
How to use congruent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExactly matching, or fitting well with something else.
The geometric sense is technical; the general sense is formal and common in psychology and management writing.
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 ↓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".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for congruent
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.