How to Pronounce “incongruous”

American (US)

/ɪnˈkɑn.ɡɹu.əs/

British (UK)

/ɪnˈkɒn.ɡɹʊu.ʌs/

adjective — Not similar or congruent; not matching or fitting in.

Where the stress falls. “incongruous” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈkɑn.ɡɹu.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ɪnˈkɑn.ɡɹu.əs/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "incongruous" mean?

incongruous (adjective): Not similar or congruent; not matching or fitting in.

How do you pronounce "incongruous" in American vs British English?

American English: /ɪnˈkɑn.ɡɹu.əs/. British English: /ɪnˈkɒn.ɡɹʊu.ʌs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "incongruous"?

/ɪnˈkɑn.ɡɹu.əs/ in American English, /ɪnˈkɒn.ɡɹʊu.ʌs/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "incongruous"?

“incongruous” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈkɑn.ɡɹu.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.