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Cogency: meaning, definitions and examples

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cogency

 

[ ˈkoʊ.dʒən.si ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

argument clarity

Cogency refers to the quality of being clear, logical, and convincing in reasoning or argumentation. It implies that the points presented are well-reasoned and promote a strong case for a given conclusion. A cogent argument is not only persuasive but also easy to follow and understand. This characteristic is crucial in debates, essays, and discussions where clarity and logic are paramount.

Synonyms

clarity, coherence, logicality, persuasiveness, validity

Examples of usage

  • The cogency of her argument impressed the judges.
  • He struggled to maintain the cogency of his points during the debate.
  • The lawyer's cogency ensured a successful outcome for her client.

Translations

Translations of the word "cogency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coerência

🇮🇳 सुसंगतता

🇩🇪 Kohärenz

🇮🇩 koherensi

🇺🇦 переконливість

🇵🇱 spójność

🇯🇵 説得力

🇫🇷 cohérence

🇪🇸 coherencia

🇹🇷 tutarlılık

🇰🇷 일관성

🇸🇦 التماسك

🇨🇿 koherence

🇸🇰 koherencia

🇨🇳 连贯性

🇸🇮 koherenca

🇮🇸 samkvæmni

🇰🇿 сәйкестік

🇬🇪 კოherence

🇦🇿 yaxınlıq

🇲🇽 coherencia

Word origin

The term 'cogency' originates from the Latin word 'cogens', which means 'driving together' or 'compelling'. This Latin root derives from the verb 'cogere', which means 'to drive together, collect, or force'. The transition from Latin to English occurred during the 15th century, as scholars sought to describe the qualities of arguments and reasoning, especially within the realms of rhetoric, logic, and philosophy. The usage of 'cogency' has since been adopted in academic and formal discourse, emphasizing the importance of rationality and sound argumentation in communication. Today, the concept is essential in various fields, including law, academia, and public speaking, as it signifies the effectiveness of an argument based on its clarity and soundness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,050, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.