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Coherence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coherence

[kəʊˈhɪərəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in writing

The quality of being logical and consistent in writing or argumentation.

Synonyms

cohesiveness, consistency, logicality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coherence

Coherence is often used to describe the clarity and unity of ideas in a text or speech. It's important for making sure all parts of a message are logically connected and easy to follow.

  • The coherence of his argument made it easy to understand his point of view.
  • A well-written essay maintains coherence from the introduction to the conclusion.
consistency

Consistency generally refers to the regularity and uniformity of actions, behaviors, or presentations. It can be applied in various contexts, from writing to performances and production.

  • Consistency in your study schedule can greatly improve your grades.
  • Her consistency in delivering high-quality work makes her a valuable employee.
logicality

Logicality is used to describe the extent to which something follows the principles of logic. It's about the rationality and sound reasoning in arguments and explanations.

  • The logicality of his reasoning was hard to dispute.
  • In scientific discussions, maintaining logicality is crucial for credibility.
cohesiveness

Cohesiveness is more about the unity and togetherness of groups, teams, or ideas. It indicates how well the individuals or elements within a group work or fit together.

  • The team's cohesiveness was evident in their excellent collaboration.

Examples of usage

  • There was a lack of coherence in her essay, making it difficult to follow her line of thought.
  • His argument lacked coherence, jumping from one point to another without any logical connection.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

The property of waves in which the phase difference is constant.

Synonyms

consistency, harmony, uniformity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coherence

Use when you are talking about how all parts of something fit together logically and clearly.

  • The coherence of her essay made it easy to follow her argument
  • His speech lacked coherence
consistency

Applicable when referring to the uniformity or stability of something over time. It can also pertain to the agreement of various parts.

  • She maintained consistency in her workout routine
  • The data showed consistency across different trials
uniformity

Best used when emphasizing the sameness or lack of diversity in something.

  • The uniformity of the soldiers' uniforms was impressive
  • The lack of uniformity in the design was criticized
harmony

Ideal for describing a peaceful and pleasing combination of different elements, often used in music, relationships, or colors.

  • They lived in perfect harmony with nature
  • The choir sang in beautiful harmony

Examples of usage

  • The interference pattern showed perfect coherence between the two waves.
  • The laser light exhibited high coherence, resulting in a sharp and well-defined beam.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In writing, coherence is essential for making sure that paragraphs flow well and support a main idea.
  • Transitions and connectives, like 'however' and 'furthermore,' enhance coherence by linking thoughts.
  • Authors often revise their work to improve coherence, ensuring that readers can easily follow the story.

Education

  • Teachers emphasize coherence in essays and reports to help students organize their thoughts clearly.
  • Graphic organizers are tools used to promote coherence in learning by visually connecting ideas.
  • Students benefit from coherence in lectures, as it helps them retain information more effectively.

Psychology

  • Studies show that coherent narratives are easier for the brain to process, leading to better recall and understanding.
  • Cognitive coherence theories suggest that people strive for a harmonious understanding of their experiences.
  • Emotional coherence, where feelings align with thoughts, can contribute to mental well-being.

Communication

  • Coherence in speech involves structuring ideas logically so that listeners can easily follow along.
  • Public speakers often use techniques, like storytelling, to ensure their message is coherent and engaging.
  • In conversations, coherence fosters effective dialogue and mutual understanding between participants.

Origin of 'coherence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'cohaerentia,' meaning 'sticking together.'
  • It has been used in English since the early 17th century, showing how ideas were linked.
  • The prefix 'co-' indicates togetherness, while 'herence' derives from 'haerere,' meaning to stick.

The word 'coherence' originated from the Latin word 'cohaerentia', which means 'sticking together'. The concept of coherence has been widely used in various fields such as physics, linguistics, and writing to denote the quality of being logically connected or consistent. In writing, coherence refers to the smooth flow of ideas and arguments, while in physics, it describes the property of waves maintaining a constant phase relationship. The term has evolved over time to encompass different aspects of interconnectedness and consistency.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,537 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.