Coherent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coherent

[kษ™สŠหˆhษชษ™rษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

conversation

logical and consistent

Synonyms

consistent, logical, rational.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coherent

Used when describing speech, writing, or thought that is clear and easy to understand. It often implies that the parts are connected well and make sense together.

  • Her argument was coherent, making it easy to follow her line of reasoning
  • The essay is coherent and clearly expresses the main ideas
logical

Used when referring to reasoning or actions that follow a clear, organized, and rational order. It suggests that the thought process or actions align with principles of logic.

  • She gave a logical explanation for her decision, which made perfect sense
  • The plan is logical and well-structured
consistent

Applies when something remains the same over a period of time or when behavior, results, or attitudes are in harmony. It often implies reliability and lack of contradictions.

  • His work is always consistent, showing a high level of quality
  • The results of the experiment were consistent with the initial hypothesis
rational

Applies when describing thoughts, decisions, or behaviors that are based on reason and not emotions. It often suggests a sensible and practical approach.

  • In a crisis, it's important to stay rational and not act on impulse
  • His rational thinking helped solve the problem efficiently

Examples of usage

  • It was difficult to follow his train of thought as he wasn't very coherent.
  • Her argument was so coherent that it convinced everyone in the room.
Context #2 | Adjective

writing

clear and easy to understand

Synonyms

clear, concise, understandable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coherent

This word is often used when talking about arguments, speeches, or writings that are logically structured and consistent, making it easy to follow and understand.

  • His presentation was clear and coherent, making it easy for everyone to grasp the main points
clear

Commonly used to describe something that is easy to see, hear, or understand. It is often used when you want to emphasize the absence of confusion or ambiguity.

  • She gave clear instructions on how to assemble the furniture
understandable

This word is used to describe something that can be easily comprehended or grasped by most people. It often implies that the information is presented in a simple and straightforward way.

  • The user manual is written in an understandable way, which makes it accessible to everyone
concise

This is used when something is expressed in a very short and straightforward manner without unnecessary words. It is commonly used to describe writing or speech that is brief yet comprehensive.

  • Please be concise and get straight to the point in your report

Examples of usage

  • She is known for her coherent writing style that captivates readers.
  • The report was praised for its coherent structure and flow.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, coherent narratives are vital for our understanding and processing of events in our lives.
  • People often find it easier to make decisions when information is presented coherently, reducing cognitive overload.

Education

  • In educational settings, coherent learning materials enhance retention and understanding among students.
  • Teachers aim to create coherent lesson plans to help students connect different concepts logically.

Communication

  • Effective speeches or writings are coherent because they connect ideas smoothly, guiding listeners or readers through the argument.
  • Professional communications often prioritize coherence to ensure the intended message is clearly understood.

Literature

  • A coherent plot is essential for a good story, as it allows readers to follow the narrative without confusion.
  • Authors often revise their work to improve coherence, ensuring characters and events align logically.

Origin of 'coherent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'cohaerentem', meaning 'to cling together.'
  • It entered English usage in the early 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in clarity in communication.

The word 'coherent' originated from the Latin word 'cohaerentem', which means 'sticking together'. It entered the English language in the early 16th century. The concept of coherence has been studied in various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and philosophy, to understand the logical connections between ideas.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,841 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.