Incongruously

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that creates a mismatch or discord with the expected norms or context
2. By behaving or appearing in a manner that does not fit with what is generally accepted or appropriate in a given scenario
3. In a way that stands out as out of place or unusual in relation to the environment or situation

Etymology: Most English adverbs ending in "-ly" carry a hidden form of the word "like." The ending descends from Old English "-līċe," the adverbial form of "-līc," a suffix meaning "resembling" that is the same element found in "godlike" or "lifelike." So "incongruously" is literally "in the manner of not agreeing," with "-ly" supplying the sense of "in such a way." The rest of the word is older and more pointed. "Incongruous" is built from Latin "in-," meaning "not," and "congruus," meaning "agreeing" or "suitable," which itself comes from "congruere," "to come together." The adjective therefore describes things that fail to fit together, and the adverb tells you how they fail: in a way that clashes with their surroundings.

Synonyms: inconsistently, discrepantly, inappropriately, oddly, strangely

Antonyms: congruently, appropriately, consistently, suitably, fittingly