cogent
Cogent (adjective) means Clear, logical and convincing enough that a reasonable person would be persuaded. Example: “She gave a cogent explanation of why the scheme would not pay for itself.”
How to Use Cogent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn argument that makes clear sense and is hard to disagree with.
Formal, common in academic, legal and editorial writing; it describes arguments, reasons and evidence rather than people.
Say a cogent argument, not a cogent speaker; use articulate or persuasive for the person.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave a _____ explanation of why the scheme would not pay for itself.
Etymology
From Latin cogent-, the present participle stem of cogere meaning to drive together or compel, from co- together and agere to drive.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cogent and coherent?
Coherent means the parts hang together and can be followed. Cogent goes further and means the argument is also strong enough to convince. A case can be perfectly coherent and still not cogent if the evidence is thin.
What is the difference between cogent and valid?
In logic, valid means the conclusion follows from the premises regardless of whether those premises are true. Cogent is the everyday judgement that an argument is both well reasoned and grounded in believable facts.
Can a person be cogent?
It is usually the argument, reason or explanation that is cogent. Saying a person is cogent is understood but reads as loose; cogently argued is the safer construction.