Incongruous vs. Motley — What's the Difference?

Lacking in harmony; incompatible

Motley is the traditional costume of the court jester, fool, or the harlequin character in commedia dell'arte. The harlequin wears a patchwork of red, green and blue diamonds that is still a fashion motif.

Not in agreement, as with principles; inconsistent

Having elements of great variety or incongruity; heterogeneous

Not in keeping with what is correct, proper, or logical; inappropriate

Having many colors; variegated; parti-colored

Not similar or congruent; not matching or fitting in.

The parti-colored attire of a court jester.

(math) Of two numbers, with respect to a third, such that their difference can not be divided by it without a remainder.

A heterogeneous, often incongruous mixture of elements.

Not congruous; reciprocally disagreeing; not capable of harmonizing or readily assimilating; inharmonious; inappropriate; unsuitable; not fitting; inconsistent; improper; as, an incongruous remark; incongruous behavior, action, dress, etc.

Comprising greatly varied elements, to the point of incongruity.

Lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness;

Having many colours; variegated.

An incongruous mixture.

A jester's multicoloured clothes.

(by extension) A jester; a fool.

Variegated in color; consisting of different colors; dappled; party-colored; as, a motley coat.

Composed of different or various parts; heterogeneously made or mixed up; discordantly composite; as, motley style.

A combination of distinct colors; esp., the party-colored cloth, or clothing, worn by the professional fool.

Hence, a jester, a fool.

A collection containing a variety of sorts of things;

A garment made of motley (especially a court jester's costume)

A multicolored woolen fabric woven of mixed threads in 14th to 17th century England

Make something more diverse and varied;

Make motley; color with different colors

Consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds (even to the point of incongruity);

Having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly;