| Inconsistency | n.; pl. Inconsistencies [ Cf. F. inconsistance. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. The quality or state of being inconsistent; discordance in respect to sentiment or action; such contrariety between two things that both can not exist or be true together; disagreement; incompatibility. [ 1913 Webster ] There is a perfect inconsistency between that which is of debt and that which is of free gift. South. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Absurdity in argument ore narration; incoherence or irreconcilability in the parts of a statement, argument, or narration; that which is inconsistent. [ 1913 Webster ] If a man would register all his opinions upon love, politics, religion, and learning, what a bundle of inconsistencies and contradictions would appear at last! Swift. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Lack of stability or uniformity; unsteadiness; changeableness; variableness. [ 1913 Webster ] Mutability of temper, and inconsistency with ourselves, is the greatest weakness of human nature. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Inconsistent | 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. -- 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 ] |
