An incongruity occurs when something contradictory is presented in some sense. Inconsistency can refer to language, facts, or things. In our language we use synonymous terms, such as inconsistency, inconsistency or absurdity. Therefore, logic and congruence would be antonyms.
The incongruity in language
When we speak we must adhere to some basic logical rules. If our words do not respect the logical principles there is an incongruity. In this sense, the principle of non-contradiction is a criterion of congruence, since we cannot say that something is a thing and at the same time it is not (Juan is tall but short does not fulfill this principle). The identity principle is another fundamental criterion, since a thing is necessarily equal to itself. These two principles are clear examples of laws of thought that affect language. The fact of not respecting them implies an evident incongruity.
Some rhetorical figures have a certain incongruity, but it is not a strict contradiction but rather a language game. For example, the paradox that we express when speaking of silent music, the famous verse by Saint Teresa "I live without living in me" or the description of someone as a poor rich man. The theater of the absurd and surrealist art also have a clear illogical and incongruous meaning, but this does not mean that they are meaningless.
Inconsistencies in relation to actions
Sometimes we affirm things that contradict our actions. If I say that I am a generous person but I do not help others, I am saying an incongruity, because what I say and what I do do not coincide.
Inconsistency is not necessarily a lie, as someone can honestly believe that they are telling the truth even if their words are not true. The non-correspondence between the words we say and our behavior is the expression of an internal contradiction.
If someone wants to achieve a goal but does not act accordingly, we find another contradiction. Thus, if I say that I want to improve my English but I do not study anymore, I am being incongruous.
Contradictory worlds
The world of dreams does not comply with the rules of common sense. When we dream we have experiences that can be absolutely incongruous. I can dream that I am flying above the Sun or that a dragon comes out of my mouth. In the dream world the idea of incongruity has a very different meaning from the real world.
Some paranormal phenomena have an incongruous dimension, since they do not conform to common sense and go beyond logic and rationality.
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