Compatibility & Incompatibility: English Vocabulary List

used to describe a situation in which people or groups have conflicting goals or intentions

"I think we are talking at cross purposes."

"The two colleagues were working at cross purposes because one was trying to increase sales while the other was cutting the marketing budget."

used to convey that a person or thing is on the same level as someone or something else

"His skill is on a par with mine."

"The new restaurant's food is on a par with some of the best places in the city and the prices are reasonable too."

used of a statement or remark that is quoted in an incomplete or inaccurate way, often to the point that makes it hard to understand if not misunderstood

"You took my words out of context."

"The newspaper quoted the politician out of context to make him sound like he had said something offensive."

having ideas or beliefs that are in conflict with those of other people

"His ideas are out of step with modern thinking."

"The old man feels out of step with modern society because he does not understand social media or smartphones."

to be in complete disagreement with something

"His behavior flies in the teeth of tradition."

"The pilot's decision to take off flew in the teeth of the weather forecast which had predicted a severe storm."

to naturally fit or suit a particular use or situation

"This music lends itself to dancing."

"This beautiful park lends itself perfectly to outdoor concerts and other summer events for the community."

two people or things that form a very good but strange combination with one another

"Politics makes strange bedfellows."

"Politics makes strange bedfellows and former enemies sometimes become allies."

not suitable for a particular situation

"His comment was out of place."

"Wearing a tuxedo to a casual beach party made him feel completely out of place."

(with reference to two things) in contrast to each other instead of correspondence

"The two brothers are always at odds."

"The two politicians are at odds over how to solve the country's economic problems and unemployment crisis."

not corresponding to or agreeing with something else

"My sleep schedule is out of whack."

"The budget figures seem to be out of whack with the actual expenses incurred by the department."