Inconsistent

Inconsistent
Inconsistent In`con*sist"ent, a. [Pref. in- not + consistent: cf. F. inconsistant.] [1913 Webster] 1. Not consistent; showing inconsistency; irreconcilable; contradictory, or having contradictory implications; discordant; at variance, esp. as regards character, sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous. [1913 Webster]

Compositions of this nature . . . show that wisdom and virtue are far from being inconsistent with politeness and good humor. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

2. Not exhibiting uniformity of sentiment, steadiness to principle, etc.; unequal; fickle; changeable. [1913 Webster]

Ah, how unjust to nature, and himself, Is thoughtless, thankless, inconsistent man. --Young.

Syn: Incompatible; incongruous; irreconcilable; discordant; repugnant; contradictory.

Usage: {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. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • inconsistent — I adjective at variance, capricious, changeable, conflicting, contradictory, contrarius, contrary, different, disagreeing, discordant, discrepant, dissonant, divergent, erratic, fickle, fitful, flighty, illogical, incompatible, incongruous,… …   Law dictionary

  • inconsistent — INCONSISTÉNT, Ă, inconsistenţi, te, adj. Care este lipsit de consistenţă, de soliditate; neconsistent; fără tărie; slab, moale. – Din fr. inconsistant. Trimis de valeriu, 21.07.2003. Sursa: DEX 98  Inconsistent ≠ consistent Trimis de siveco,… …   Dicționar Român

  • inconsistent — [in΄kən sis′tənt] adj. not consistent; specif., a) not in agreement, harmony, or accord; incompatible [acts inconsistent with belief] b) not uniform; self contradictory [inconsistent testimony] c) not always holding to the same principles or… …   English World dictionary

  • Inconsistent — (v. lat.), unbeständig, unhaltbar; daher Inconsistenz, Unbeständigkeit …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Inconsistent — Inconsistent, lat. deutsch, unbeständig; Inconsistenz, Unbeständigkeit …   Herders Conversations-Lexikon

  • inconsistent — (adj.) 1640s, not agreeing in substance or form, from IN (Cf. in ) (1) not, opposite of + CONSISTENT (Cf. consistent). Related: Inconsistently …   Etymology dictionary

  • inconsistent — inconsonant, incompatible, incongruous, uncongenial, unsympathetic, discordant, discrepant Analogous words: divergent, disparate, diverse, *different: irreconcilable (see corresponding affirmative verb at ADAPT) Antonyms: consistent Contrasted… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • inconsistent — [adj] contradictory, irregular at odds, at variance, capricious, changeable, conflicting, contrary, discordant, discrepant, dissonant, erratic, fickle, illogical, incoherent, incompatible, in conflict, incongruent, incongruous, inconstant,… …   New thesaurus

  • inconsistent — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ not consistent. DERIVATIVES inconsistency noun inconsistently adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • inconsistent — [[t]ɪ̱nkənsɪ̱stənt[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED (disapproval) If you describe someone as inconsistent, you are criticizing them for not behaving in the same way every time a similar situation occurs. You are inconsistent and unpredictable. ...the… …   English dictionary

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