adjective C2 Proficient

cogent

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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.”

adjective

Clear, logical and convincing enough that a reasonable person would be persuaded.

"She gave a cogent explanation of why the scheme would not pay for itself."

"The judge found no cogent reason to depart from the guidelines."

How to use cogent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn argument that makes clear sense and is hard to disagree with.

When to use it

Formal, common in academic, legal and editorial writing; it describes arguments, reasons and evidence rather than people.

Memory tip

Say a cogent argument, not a cogent speaker; use articulate or persuasive for the person.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

coherent → cognisant → urgent → salient →

Common pairings

a cogent argument cogent reasons cogent evidence cogent case cogently argued

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “cogent” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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convincing compelling persuasive sound forceful telling weighty

Antonyms

unconvincing incoherent specious

Related words

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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.

What is the meaning of cogent?

"cogent" (adjective) means clear, logical and convincing enough that a reasonable person would be persuaded.

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