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adj

coherent

koh-HEER-ruhnt
adj
1
Logical, clear, and easy to follow; making sense as a whole.
"She gave a coherent explanation of what had happened."
"The report lacked a coherent structure and jumped between topics."
2
Sticking together as a unified whole.
"The team finally worked as a coherent unit."

How to Use Coherent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMaking logical sense, or holding together as a unified, connected whole.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "cohesive" (things sticking together as a group) — "coherent" is more about logical clarity, though the two overlap.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
a coherent argument coherent plan coherent strategy

Word Forms

more coherent comparative, most coherent superlative

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She gave a _____ explanation of what had happened.

Etymology

From Latin cohaerens, the present participle of cohaerere, "to stick together," from co- + haerere ("to stick").

Antonyms

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Rhymes for coherent

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