cogent
gb/kˈoʊd͡ʒənt/ us/kˈoʊd͡ʒənt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
convincing and persuasive
making you believe something because it is strong and persuasive
Usage pattern:
[a] cogent argument/case/reason/explanation
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse it with words about thinking (e.g., cognitive); cogent describes the strength of an argument, not the mental process itself.
Synonyms
compelling (Emphasizes that it strongly grabs attention and is hard to ignore.)
|
convincing (More general and common; less formal than cogent.)
|
persuasive (Highlights the ability to influence opinions or decisions.)
Antonyms
unconvincing (Fails to make people believe the argument or claim.)
|
weak (Lacking force or strong support in reasoning or evidence.)
Collocations
a cogent argument
|a cogent case
|cogent reasons
|a cogent explanation
|cogent evidence
|a cogent point
|a cogent rationale
|a cogent analysis
|cogent criticism
|a cogent conclusion
Themes
communication
|thinking
|writing
|academia
|business
Examples
- She presented a cogent argument for investing in public transport.
- The report offers cogent reasons to change the policy now.
- His explanation was cogent enough to reassure the board.
Learner examples
- He gave cogent reasons for his decision.
- That is a cogent argument.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
clear and logically reasoned
clear and logical, so it is easy to understand
Usage pattern:
[a] cogent explanation/account/analysis
Common mistake:
Don’t use cogent just to mean 'clear' (like clear handwriting); it usually describes clear reasoning in speech or writing.
Synonyms
coherent (Stresses that the parts fit together without confusion.)
|
well-reasoned (Directly emphasizes careful logic and justification.)
|
logical (Focuses on correct reasoning, sometimes without the idea of persuasiveness.)
Antonyms
incoherent (Not clearly connected or understandable.)
|
illogical (Not following sound reasoning.)
Collocations
a cogent explanation
|a cogent account
|cogent reasoning
|a cogent analysis
|a cogent summary
|a cogent narrative
|a cogent critique
|a cogent framework
|a cogent interpretation
|a cogent presentation
Themes
communication
|thinking
|writing
|academia
Examples
- Her essay is concise and cogent, with each paragraph building on the last.
- The lawyer gave a cogent account of what happened that night.
- They asked for a cogent analysis rather than a list of opinions.
Learner examples
- Please write a cogent explanation.
- His answer was cogent and easy to follow.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cogent
IPA
GB/kˈoʊd͡ʒənt/
US/kˈoʊd͡ʒənt/
Syllables & stress
co - gent (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (co)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: cogent
Word family
Core family
cogently
adverb C1
Related words
cogency
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.