First Known Use: 1659
Dictionary
cogent
adjective co·gent \ˈkō-jənt\
: very clear and easy for the mind to accept and believe
Full Definition of COGENT
2
a : appealing forcibly to the mind or reason : convincing <cogent evidence> b : pertinent, relevant <a cogent analysis>
— co·gent·ly adverb
See cogent defined for English-language learners
See cogent defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of COGENT
- … Honeyboy Edwards provides a cogent analysis of the shift within the blues over the years … —David Hajdu, Mother Jones, September/October 2003
- Your article provides cogent reading. —Mario Cuomo, letter, U.S. News & World Report, 23 Mar. 1992
- Your arguments, whether or not one agrees with them, are generally cogent, and at times elegantly expressed. —Willard R. Espy, letter, Wall Street Journal, 24 Apr. 1990
- The author … makes a cogent and finely nuanced case for the wisdom—indeed, the necessity of this vision. —Marian Sandmaier, New York Times Book Review, 8 Feb. 1987
- [+]more
Origin of COGENT
Latin cogent-, cogens, present participle of cogere to drive together, collect, from co- + agere to drive — more at agent
Related to COGENT
- Synonyms
- compelling, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, satisfying, strong, telling
- Antonyms
- inconclusive, indecisive, ineffective, uncompelling, unconvincing, unpersuasive
Synonym Discussion of COGENT
valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance. valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority <a valid reason for being absent> <a valid marriage>. sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds <a sound proposal for reviving the economy>. cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation <the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury>. convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept <a convincing argument for welfare reform>. telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter <a telling example of bureaucratic waste>.
Learn More About COGENT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: cogger (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: cogenerationAll Words Near: cogent
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cogent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).