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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
INCONSIST'ENT, a. Incompatible; incongruous; not suitable. Loud laughter in grave company is inconsistent with good breeding. Habitual gloom is inconsistent with health and happiness.
Not consistent; showing inconsistency;
irreconcilable; discordant; at variance, esp. as regards character,
sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous;
contradictory.
Compositions of this nature . . . show that wisdom and virtue are far from being inconsistent with politeness and good humor. Addison. Not exhibiting uniformity of sentiment,
steadiness to principle, etc.; unequal; fickle; changeable.
Ah, how unjust to nature, and himself, 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. | ||||||||