Inconsistent In`con·sist"ent adjective [ Prefix
in- not +
consistent : confer French
inconsistant .]
1. Not consistent; showing inconsistency; irreconcilable; discordant; at variance, esp. as regards character, sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous; contradictory. Compositions of this nature . . . show that wisdom and virtue are far from being inconsistent with politeness and good humor.
Addison. 2. Not exhibiting uniformity of sentiment, steadiness to principle, etc.; unequal; fickle; changeable. Ah, how unjust to nature, and himself,
Is thoughtless, thankless, inconsistent man.
Young. Syn. -- Incompatible; incongruous; irreconcilable; discordant; repugnant; contradictory. --
Inconsistent ,
Incongruous ,
Incompatible . Things are
incongruous when they are not suited to each other, so that their union is unbecoming;
inconsistent when they are opposed to each other, so as render it improper or wrong;
incompatible when they
can not coexist, and it is therefore impossible to unite them. Habitual levity of mind is
incongruous with the profession of a clergyman; it is
inconsistent with his ordination vows; it is
incompatible with his permanent usefulness.
Incongruity attaches to the modes and qualities of things;
incompatibility attaches to their essential attributes;
inconsistency attaches to the actions, sentiments, etc., of men.