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

Calling for that type of regulation would actually support free speech, destroy media monopolies and provide us with a fertile ground of vetted facts that could lead to cogent, meaningful discussion on issues of public debate.

From Salon

One cogent critic of capitalism ended a column in mid-October this way: “Pick your poison. Destruction by corporate power or destruction by oligarchy. The end result is the same. That is what the two ruling parties offer in November. Nothing else.”

From Salon

A recent poll found Pennsylvanians are most worried about the economy, the future of democracy, immigration, gun control and abortion; this would be an opportunity for the former president, who has dodged serious interviews and rejected another debate after face-planting at the last one, to provide cogent answers to pressing concerns — all while rebutting critics who question his mental fitness for office.

From Salon

Wade was reversed by a Supreme Court more interested in their feelings than your health care—women have waited for one crisp, cogent answer to the simple question: Who decides what happens to your body when you are pregnant?

From Slate

As Dan Pfeiffer wrote in his newsletter, "While he was never a particularly cogent orator, Trump devolved into someone who spews nonstop nonsense; he frequently misspeaks, refers to people by the wrong name, and constantly loses his train of thought."

From Salon

Related Words

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