Cogent
Word of the Day
What is Cogent?
adjective
Clear, logical, and convincing.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to champion intellectual rigor and persuasive clarity.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The report offered cogent reasons to change policy.
He made a cogent defense of the strategy.
Her questions were precise and cogent.
Word Origins
Latin cogere “to drive together, compel”
Related to “cohesion” — ideas driven together into forceful unity.
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
The cogency of her analysis won over skeptics.
-
Adjective:
A coherent plan held the parts together.
-
Adjective:
A compelling narrative carried the jury.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: contundente / convincente
- French: cogent / convaincant
- German: stichhaltig / überzeugend
- Italian: cogente / convincente
- Portuguese: cogente / convincente
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Coherent
Internally consistent; “cogent” is also persuasive.
Persuasive
Broad term; “cogent” stresses logic and clarity.
Sound
“Sound” emphasizes validity; “cogent” emphasizes convincing force.
Fun Facts
- Logical fallacies undermine cogency even when prose is elegant.
- The root *cogere* also yields “cogency” and “coercion” (to compel).
Cultural Usage
- Judges expect cogent evidence and reasoning.
- Peer review favors cogent argument over flourish.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “coherent”; “cogent” adds persuasive force.
Micro Story
She delivered a cogent case for reform.