Congruence
/ˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əns/noun
The state of agreeing, corresponding, or being identical in form or shape.
Did you know?The Latin verb congruere could mean both “to come together” and “to agree,” which is why the word evolved from physical matching into abstract harmony and mathematical correspondence.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin / Classical Latin
Latin
congruere
“To come together, correspond, or agree; the deeper origin of the second element is uncertain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
congruentia
“Agreement, correspondence, or harmony.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
congruentia
“Conformity or agreement, especially in logic and learned writing.”
15th Century
Middle English
congruence
“Agreement or suitability; borrowed from Latin through French and scholarly usage.”
17th Century
English
congruence
“Correspondence or agreement in form, proportion, or meaning.”
Modern English
English
congruence
“Agreement or exact correspondence, especially in mathematics, geometry, psychology, and personal development.”
Explore more surprising origins