congruence
Americannoun
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the quality or state of agreeing or corresponding.
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Mathematics. a relation between two numbers indicating that the numbers give the same remainder when divided by some given number.
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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.
noun
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the quality or state of corresponding, agreeing, or being congruent
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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
Etymology
Origin of congruence
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin congruentia, derivative of congruent- congruent; see -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."
Vocabulary lists containing congruence
Fences
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Novel Study: Fences, Introduction and Act 1
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"The MGMT Solution," Vocabulary from Chapter 14
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“So, if you’re not acting in congruence with your emotions, our horses will call you out on it, and encourage you to simply be yourself.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025
There is also little diplomatic congruence within the bloc.
From Washington Times • Aug. 21, 2023
After observing the congruence between the two asteroids, scientists went back to the drawing board.
From Salon • Feb. 8, 2022
The congruence is the same for trans boys and for boys in the control group.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2019
Furthermore congruence cannot be defined by the permanence of the measuring rod.
From The Concept of Nature The Tarner Lectures Delivered in Trinity College, November 1919 by Whitehead, Alfred North
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
