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

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

In recent decades, experts have sought to define the "lower-middle" and "upper-middle" class, underscoring the reality of socioeconomic divisions while maintaining the illusion that the American middle class can somehow be considered a coherent group.

From Salon

The task of turning the economy around, creating coherent policies for wages and welfare and maintaining overall political stability will not be easy.

From BBC

Related Words

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