Coherence: meaning, definitions and examples

🔗
Add to dictionary

coherence

 

[ kəʊˈhɪərəns ]

Noun
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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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

Translations of the word "coherence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coerência

🇮🇳 सुसंगतता

🇩🇪 Kohärenz

🇮🇩 koherensi

🇺🇦 зв'язність

🇵🇱 spójność

🇯🇵 一貫性

🇫🇷 cohérence

🇪🇸 coherencia

🇹🇷 tutarlılık

🇰🇷 일관성

🇸🇦 تماسك

🇨🇿 soudržnost

🇸🇰 súdržnosť

🇨🇳 连贯性

🇸🇮 koherenca

🇮🇸 samræmi

🇰🇿 үйлесімділік

🇬🇪 შესაბამისობა

🇦🇿 uyğunluq

🇲🇽 coherencia

Etymology

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.