cogently
gb/kˈoʊɡəntli/ us/kˈoʊɡəntli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in a clear, convincing way
in a way that is clear and makes people believe you
Usage pattern:
[someone] argues/explains [something] cogently
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse the adverb (cogently) with the adjective (cogent). Place it near the verb it describes (e.g., “explained it cogently,” not usually “a cogently explanation”).
Synonyms
convincingly (More common and slightly less formal.)
|
persuasively (Emphasizes influencing others, not just logic.)
|
coherently (Focuses on being organized and easy to follow.)
|
lucidly (Emphasizes clarity, especially in explanations.)
Antonyms
unconvincingly (Opposite effect: fails to persuade.)
|
incoherently (Opposite in clarity: hard to follow or illogical.)
Collocations
argue cogently
|explain cogently
|reason cogently
|put it cogently
|state cogently
|write cogently
|present cogently
|demonstrate cogently
|make the case cogently
|set out cogently
Themes
communication
|education
|writing
|critical_thinking
Examples
- She argued cogently that the policy would hurt small businesses.
- The report cogently explains why the costs have risen so sharply.
- He spoke cogently and answered each question with clear evidence.
Learner examples
- He explained his idea cogently.
- She argued cogently for the change.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cogently
IPA
GB/kˈoʊɡəntli/
US/kˈoʊɡəntli/
Syllables & stress
co - gently (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (co)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: cogently
- Plural: cogentlies
Word family
Forms
cogentlies
noun
Core family
cogent
adjective C1
cogency
noun
Expressions
argue cogently
1/ˈɑɹɡju kˈoʊɡəntli/
fixed phrase
formal
make a convincing argument
to argue clearly and convincingly
Examples
- They argued cogently that the decision violated the original agreement.
- In her essay, she argues cogently for stricter safety rules.
explain (something) cogently
1/ɪksplˈeɪn sˈʌmθɪŋ kˈoʊɡəntli/
fixed phrase
formal
explain clearly and persuasively
to explain something very clearly
Examples
- The teacher explained the concept cogently in five minutes.
- Can you explain cogently why this change is necessary?
put it cogently
1/pˈʊt ˈɪt kˈoʊɡəntli/
fixed phrase
formal
say it clearly and forcefully
to express an idea very clearly
Examples
- As one reviewer put it cogently, the film is beautiful but empty.
- You put it cogently: we need better data before we act.
reason cogently
1/ɹˈizən kˈoʊɡəntli/
fixed phrase
formal
think in a logical way
to think clearly and logically
Examples
- Even under pressure, she reasoned cogently through the evidence.
- The author reasons cogently from basic principles to a practical conclusion.
state (something) cogently
1/stˈeɪt sˈʌmθɪŋ kˈoʊɡəntli/
fixed phrase
formal
state something clearly
to say something clearly and convincingly
Examples
- She stated her objections cogently and without hostility.
- The proposal cogently states the problem but offers no solution.
write cogently
1/ɹˈaɪt kˈoʊɡəntli/
fixed phrase
formal
write clearly and convincingly
to write in a very clear way
Examples
- He writes cogently about the trade-offs involved in climate policy.
- To score well, you must write cogently and support your claims with evidence.