In·con·sist'ent, a.

a. [Prefix in, not, and consistent; Fr. inconsistent, It. & Sp. inconsistente.] 1. Not consistent; irreconcilable in conception or in fact; discordant; at variance, especially as regards character, sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous. Compositions of this nature show that wisdom and virtue are far from being inconsistent with politeness and good humor. Addison. 2. Not exhibiting conformity of sentiment, steadiness to principle, &c.; unequal; fickle; changeable; as, men are often inconsistent as to their conduct, or with themselves. 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 to render it improper or wrong; incompatible when they can not co-exist, 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, &c., of men. You still approve some absent place; The present's ever in disgrace; And such your special inconsistence, Make the chief merit in the distance. Horace, Trans. Arms, through the vanity and brainless rage Of those that bear them, in whatever cause, Seem most at variance with all moral good, And incompatible with serious thought. Cowper.