coherent

[ koh-heer-uhnt, -her- ]

adjective

1. logically connected; consistent:

   a coherent argument.

2. having a natural or due agreement of parts; harmonious:

   a coherent design.

3. cohering; sticking together:

   a coherent mass of sticky candies.

4. Physics, Optics. of or relating to waves that maintain a fixed phase relationship, as in coherent light, or light in which the electromagnetic waves maintain a fixed and predictable phase relationship with each other over a period of time. laser.

coherent

/ kəʊˈhɪərənt /

adjective

1. capable of logical and consistent speech, thought, etc
2. logical; consistent and orderly
3. cohering or sticking together
4. physics (of two or more waves) having the same phase or a fixed phase difference

   coherent light

5. (of a system of units) consisting only of units the quotient or product of any two of which yield the unit of the resultant quantity

Derived Forms

• coˈherently, adverb

Other Words From

• co·her·ent·ly adverb
• non·co·her·ent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coherent¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin cohērent-, variant of Latin cohaerent- (stem of cohaerēns ), present participle of cohaerēre; cohere, -ent

Example Sentences

A new book from Harvard scholar Keidrick Roy, “American Dark Age: Racial Feudalism and the Rise of Black Liberalism,” lays out their pioneering critique of the enduring power of feudalism on American thought, along with a coherent framework of liberal ideas shaped by their individual and collective lived experiences.

From Salon

Meanwhile, once reputable newspapers now run by billionaires refused to endorse a competent, coherent woman for president.

From Salon

The results aren't particularly great - the song is sickly and overlong - but the fact that it's coherent at all is a testament to his skill as a producer, arranger, mentor and referee.

From BBC

Trump also appears to be losing his ability to use language in a coherent way.

From Salon

Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, Badenoch said Reeves's plan was "not coherent".

From BBC

Related Words

• comprehensible
• consistent
• intelligible
• logical
• lucid
• meaningful
• orderly
• rational
• reasoned
• systematic