cogent

[ koh-juhnt ]

adjective

1. convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling.
2. to the point; relevant; pertinent.

cogent

/ ˈkəʊdʒənt /

adjective

1. compelling belief or assent; forcefully convincing

Derived Forms

• ˈcogency, noun
• ˈcogently, adverb

Other Words From

• cogent·ly adverb
• non·cogent adjective
• non·cogent·ly adverb
• un·cogent adjective
• un·cogent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cogent¹

1650–60; < Latin cōgent- (stem of cōgēns, present participle of cōgere to drive together, collect, compel), equivalent to cōg- ( co- co- + ag-, stem of agere to drive) + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of cogent¹

C17: from Latin cōgent-, cōgēns, driving together, from cōgere, from co- together + agere to drive

Example Sentences

She had to cogently make a case for her presidency while baiting traps his ego couldn’t resist.

From Salon

Insiders in the Trump camp who still can nominally engage in cogent thought believe Trump made a horrible choice in choosing Vance and it will cost them the election.

From Salon

Suddenly it was an open secret that the president had episodes in which he was far from cogent.

From BBC

Anyone capable of cogent, critical thought has abandoned that unholy alliance years ago, seeking shelter from the racism, misogyny and authoritarian policies it has embraced.

From Salon

While Biden did not have a quip that matched Ronald Reagan’s he did cogently defend his presidency and his candidacy against convicted felon Donald Trump.

From Salon

Related Words

• compelling
• convincing
• forceful
• persuasive
• telling
• weighty