Cogent
Winning arguments usually have this trait: every sentence pulls weight and the order feels inevitable in hindsight.
Learn This WordMeaning
Clear, logical, and convincing; (of an argument) compelling and well-reasoned.
Memory trick
COGENT sounds like “COG”, gears that make things fit together logically. Cogent arguments have gears that mesh.
Examples
She made a cogent case for delaying the launch by one week.
The memo is cogent: clear problem statement, evidence, and a realistic plan.
His cogent explanation helped the team align quickly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin cogentem "driving together, compelling," from cogere "to drive together," from co- "together" + agere "to drive."
Usage Notes
Best used for arguments, explanations, and writing that feel both clear and persuasive. It’s more formal than “convincing.”
Real-life contexts
Use in reviews: "This is a cogent argument, nice work."
Use in debate: "Make it cogent: what evidence supports this?"
Use in writing: "Aim for a cogent one-page rationale before building."
Common Mistakes
Cogent is about reasoning, not volume or confidence. A loud opinion isn’t cogent without logic and evidence.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
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