easy
Leah made a cogent argument for adding a second recycling bin, using the class's waste survey.
What does Cogent mean?
Cogent means convincing through clear and relevant reasoning or evidence.
Dictionary definition
Convincing because the reasons or evidence are clear, relevant, and well presented. Cogent can also emphasise that an analysis or point is directly relevant to the matter being discussed.
Example sentences
Cogent in a sentence
medium
The librarian gave cogent reasons for extending the loan period during the holiday.
medium
His cogent analysis stayed focused on the question the group needed to answer.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Cogent
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Which detail most helps make an argument cogent?
Cogent reasoning connects relevant support to its point. Volume and difficult vocabulary do not supply that support.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses cogent naturally?
Cogent is an adjective that commonly describes reasons, arguments, explanations, and evidence.
Practice 3
Use the noun: The panel praised the ___ of her reasoning.
Cogency names the convincing quality; cogently describes how someone argues or explains.
Practice complete
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Cogent
Voice settings
Sounds like
koh · junt · strongest beat: koh
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordCogent.
Partadjective.
MeaningCogent means convincing through clear and relevant reasoning or evidence.
ExampleExample: Leah made a cogent argument for adding a second recycling bin, using the class's waste survey.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- koh · junt
- Strongest beat
- koh
- Ending
- junt
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on koh.
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Synonyms
Words like Cogent
convincingUse for an argument or explanation that gives strong reasons to accept it.
persuasiveUse when reasons or evidence make a case compelling; persuasion in other contexts may rely on emotion instead.
Antonyms
Opposite words
unconvincingUse for an argument or explanation that fails to provide persuasive support.
Synonym practice
Word family
Cogent word family
Base word
cogent
adverb
cogently
With clear and convincing reasoning: she explained the proposal cogently.
noun
cogency
The convincing force of an argument or explanation.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Cogent
Hint for students
Use this formal adjective for an argument, explanation, reason, or analysis. Say KOH-junt, with a soft g like the j in jump, and stress the first syllable.
Common mix-up
Cogent is not just a fancy word for clear or loud. Coherent writing fits together intelligibly; calling reasoning cogent also praises its convincing force. Check the evidence yourself rather than treating the adjective as proof that a conclusion must be true.
Try it in class or at home
Choose a small classroom improvement. Write a claim, add one relevant observation, and explain how the observation supports the claim. Partners revise any missing link to make the case more cogent.
Teacher prompt
Compare a clearly organised claim with a claim supported by relevant evidence. What does calling an argument cogent add beyond saying it is easy to follow?
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