noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

coherence

koh-HEER-uhns

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Coherence (noun) means the quality of being logical, consistent and clearly connected, so that the parts of something fit together and make sense as a whole. Example: “The essay had plenty of facts but no coherence.”

noun

The quality of being logical, consistent and clearly connected, so that the parts of something fit together and make sense as a whole.

"The essay had plenty of facts but no coherence."

"Years of piecemeal amendments have stripped the policy of any coherence."

physics A fixed relationship between the phases of two or more waves, which allows them to produce a steady interference pattern.

"Laser light has a high degree of coherence, which is why it can be focused so tightly."

How to use coherence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen everything fits together and makes sense.

When to use it

Neutral. Very common in academic writing, especially about essays, arguments and policy.

Memory tip

In IELTS and similar exams, 'coherence and cohesion' is one marked criterion — coherence is the ideas, cohesion is the linking.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cohesion → coherency → consistency → adherence →

Common pairings

lack coherence internal coherence narrative coherence coherence and cohesion a degree of coherence

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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 “coherence” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The essay had plenty of facts but no _____.

Etymology

From Latin cohaerentia, from cohaerere 'to stick together', formed from co- 'together' and haerere 'to cling, to stick'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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consistency cohesion unity logic clarity coherency cohesiveness

Antonyms

incoherence confusion disjointedness

Related words

i one group united single clear union consistent

Rhymes for coherence

hence fence whence thence Spence valence absence science silence defence essence ambience

See all rhymes for coherence →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between coherence and cohesion?

Coherence is about meaning: whether the ideas as a whole make sense and follow logically. Cohesion is about the surface links between sentences, such as pronouns, conjunctions and repeated words. A text can be cohesive, with all the linking words in place, and still lack coherence if the underlying ideas do not add up.

How do you improve coherence in writing?

Give each paragraph one clear point, order those points so each follows naturally from the last, and make the relationship between ideas explicit rather than leaving the reader to guess. Cutting material that does not serve the argument usually helps more than adding linking words.

What does coherence mean in physics?

It means two waves keep a constant phase relationship with each other, so they interfere in a stable, predictable way. Lasers are the standard example of a highly coherent light source.

What is the meaning of coherence?

"coherence" (noun) means the quality of being logical, consistent and clearly connected, so that the parts of something fit together and make sense as a whole.

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