congruence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “congruence” mean?
The state or quality of being in agreement, harmony, or correspondence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or quality of being in agreement, harmony, or correspondence; things fitting together or matching.
In mathematics, the relationship between two figures that have the same shape and size (geometric congruence). In psychology, a state in which a person's self-image aligns with their actual experience (Carl Rogers). In various fields, a more general sense of compatibility or consistency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in meaning and frequency across both varieties. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal British English in philosophical contexts. In American English, more frequent in mathematical and psychological discourse.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties; primarily academic/technical.
Grammar
How to Use “congruence” in a Sentence
congruence between X and Ycongruence of X with Ycongruence in + [abstract noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “congruence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The data does not **congrue** with our hypothesis. (Rare, archaic)
American English
- The witness's story did not **congrue** with the physical evidence. (Rare, archaic)
adverb
British English
- The two systems operated **congruently** for years.
American English
- Her actions were **congruently** aligned with her stated values.
adjective
British English
- The **congruent** angles proved the triangles were identical.
American English
- Their goals were not **congruent** with the company's mission.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in strategy to describe alignment between goals, actions, and brand values.
Academic
Common in mathematics (geometry), logic, psychology, and philosophy.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used to describe a surprising match between opinions or styles.
Technical
Precise term in geometry for identical shapes; in psychology (person-centred therapy).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “congruence”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “congruence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “congruence”
- Using 'congruence' to mean 'similar in a general way' (use 'similarity').
- Pronouncing it as /kənˈɡruːəns/ (stress is on the first syllable).
- Confusing with 'concurrence' (which means happening together or agreement in opinion).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a formal, academic, or technical term. In everyday conversation, words like 'agreement' or 'match' are more common.
'Congruence' implies a structured agreement or correspondence. 'Coincidence' refers to things happening at the same time by chance, or a surprising but accidental similarity.
The verb 'to congruate' is obsolete. The related adjective is 'congruent', and the verb 'to coincide' or phrases like 'to be in congruence with' are used instead.
In Carl Rogers' person-centred therapy, 'congruence' (or genuineness) refers to the therapist's state where their inner experience matches their outward expression, fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship.
The state or quality of being in agreement, harmony, or correspondence.
Congruence is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Congruence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːŋ.ɡru.əns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In perfect congruence with...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONGRUENCE as things that CON-GRUE (agree) with each other perfectly, like two identical triangles.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS ALIGNMENT / HARMONY IS A MATCHING PATTERN
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'congruence' a precise technical term for identical size and shape?