INCONSISTENCY • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Inconsistency

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/ˌɪnkənsˈɪstənsi/ Listen

noun

Inconsistency n. (pl. inconsistencies)

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. "There is a perfect inconsistency between that which is of debt and that which is of free gift."

Absurdity in argument ore narration; incoherence or irreconcilability in the parts of a statement, argument, or narration; that which is inconsistent. "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!"

Lack of stability or uniformity; unsteadiness; changeableness; variableness. "Mutability of temper, and inconsistency with ourselves, is the greatest weakness of human nature."

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Etymology of 'Inconsistency'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Inconsistency" Quotes from Famous Books

... rallied him on his inconsistency, he gravely replied: "An Irish gentleman is an Irish gentleman the world over, no matter where you find him, in court, camp, or wilderness; it's all one to him. Why do you think I brought that mirror you ...

— The Eye of Dread • Payne Erskine

... them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character. He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in ...

— Father Goriot • Honore de Balzac

... who seems to be a man of observation and intelligence, I gather that the inconsistency of Farquhard Campbell's conduct * * * has proceeded as much from jealousy of the Superior consequence of this Gentleman and his father in law with the Highlanders here as from any other motive. This schism is to be lamented from whatsoever cause arising, but ...

— An Historical Account of the Settlements of Scotch Highlanders in America • J. P. MacLean

... instantly from having any the smallest knowledge of John's proceedings, and Colonel Goldsworthy soon recovered all his spirits and good humour, when he was satisfied he had not designedly been treated with such strange and unmeaning inconsistency. He rejoiced exceedingly that he had spoke out, and I thanked him for his frankness, and the evening concluded very amicably. . ...

— The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay Volume 1 • Madame D'Arblay

... choruses would not only have been more consonant with his own feelings, but doubtless more acceptable to the world? She had not yet learned what it often takes the wisest man a lifetime to discover—that every inconsistency of conduct is not hypocrisy, but that it is one of the most common idiosyncrasies of the mind to write and believe one thing, and as self-approvingly to ...

— Continental Monthly , Vol V. Issue III. March, 1864 - Devoted to Literature and National Policy • Various

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