congruence

American  

[kong-groo-uhns, kuhn-groo-, kuhng-] / ˈkɒŋ gru əns, kənˈgru-, kəŋ- /

noun

1. the quality or state of agreeing or corresponding.

2. Mathematics. a relation between two numbers indicating that the numbers give the same remainder when divided by some given number.

3. Geometry. the relationship that exists between two figures when one can be superimposed over the other and all their angles and sides coincide, as a mirror image.

   the congruence of trapezoids with identical measurements.

---

congruence British  

/ ˈkɒŋɡrʊəns, ˈkɒŋɡrʊənsɪ /

noun

1. the quality or state of corresponding, agreeing, or being congruent

2. maths the relationship between two integers, x and y, such that their difference, with respect to another positive integer called the modulus, n, is a multiple of the modulus. Usually written x ≡ y (mod n ), as in 25 ≡ 11 ( mod 7 )

---

Other Word Forms

• noncongruence noun

Etymology

Origin of congruence

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin congruentia, derivative of congruent- congruent; -ence

Explanation

Congruence means compatibility. If you've been studying French, you might be glad to note, when learning Spanish, that there are many areas of congruence in grammar and vocabulary between the two Romance languages. In geometry, shapes are congruent when they are exactly the same, such as squares with three-inch sides. In a more general context, congruent means "in agreement with," as in "the school's rules are congruent with expectations for behavior at home."

Example Sentences

For an advertising message to successfully resonate and change either a consumer's attitude or behavior, "congruence" is required.

From Salon • Aug. 28, 2023

There is also little diplomatic congruence within the bloc.

From Washington Times • Aug. 21, 2023

“They can’t do it alone anymore because China is catching up with the U.S., and the Chinese economy is significantly larger than India’s. So, there is a congruence of geopolitical interests here.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 19, 2023

County’s efforts on stormwater capture and recycling “much more aligned and in congruence with City efforts,” and that both entities should mandate that more projects use graywater and recycled water for non-potable purposes.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2022

In other words measurement presupposes the measurable, and the theory of the measurable is the theory of congruence.

From The Concept of Nature The Tarner Lectures Delivered in Trinity College, November 1919 by Whitehead, Alfred North