Cogent
/ˈkoʊdʒənt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Cogent describes something, usually an argument or reason, that is very clear, logical, and convincing. It means the idea is easy to understand and makes sense, so people find it hard to disagree with it.
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See It in Action
Clear and convincing argument or reason
- •She gave a cogent explanation that convinced everyone in the meeting.
- •His cogent points helped win the debate.
- •The lawyer presented a cogent case to the jury.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'cogent' like 'clear,' but stronger—it's not just easy to see, it also makes you believe it
- ✓Picture a bright light shining on a problem, making everything easy to understand and hard to ignore
- ✓It's the feeling when someone explains something so well that you immediately agree or accept their point
- ✓Sounds like 'CO-gent' → imagine a 'cozy gent' (gentleman) who speaks so clearly and kindly that you trust his words
- ✓In stories, a lawyer or a teacher who gives a cogent explanation helps others understand and accept the truth quickly
- ✓NOT like 'confusing' (hard to understand), cogent is very clear and strong
- ✓NOT like 'weak' or 'unclear' arguments, cogent arguments are powerful and convincing
Try Other Words
- •Convincing: making someone believe something (Use when you want to focus on how well an idea or argument persuades others)
- •Persuasive: able to make people agree or do something (Use when emphasizing the ability to influence others)
- •Clear: easy to understand (Use when focusing on simplicity and understanding without necessarily being strong or powerful)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; root related to 'cogere' in Latin meaning 'to drive together' or 'force'
- •Etymology: From Latin 'cogentem,' present participle of 'cogere,' meaning to force or bring together logically
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s in English to describe arguments that strongly drive people to accept them
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe strong, logical, and convincing arguments, reasons, or explanations in speech and writing
Reflect & Connect
•What makes an argument cogent to you personally? Can an argument be clear but not cogent?
•How can you make your own ideas more cogent when you speak or write?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave a cogent argument that was ___ by facts and clear examples.
2.A cogent explanation usually helps people ___ the speaker’s point of view.
3.Unlike confusing reasons, cogent reasons are ___ and easy to follow.
4.To win the debate, you need to present ___ and well-organized ideas.
5.When an argument is not cogent, it often lacks ___ or clear logic.
6.The lawyer’s cogent speech convinced the jury to ___ the defendant.
7.A cogent point is often supported ___ strong evidence or clear thinking.