adjective
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characterized by or causing cohesion
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tending to cohere or stick together
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of cohesive
First recorded in 1720–30; cohes(ion) + -ive
Explanation
When the parts of the whole work or fit together well, they are cohesive, like a cohesive family whose members pitch in with everything from making dinner to painting the house. The adjective cohesive comes from the Latin word cohaerere, or “to cleave together.” Cohesive things stick together, so they are unified. A cohesive neighborhood's members get together to plan things like block parties, and they work together to solve problems. A cohesive fitness plan would include menus and exercise routines designed to lose weight, build muscle, and so on.
Vocabulary lists containing cohesive
Keystone Exams: English Composition Glossary
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Florida EOC Biology 1
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Content Summary G.2: Regionalization
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cohesive and adhesive forces are important for the transport of water from the roots to the leaves in plants.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Cohesive rules must guide agencies whose jurisdictions overlap.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2020
Cohesive forces between molecules cause the surface of a liquid to contract to the smallest possible surface area.
From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015
Cohesive in its own right, ”I Left My Noodle on Ramen Street” asserts Banhart’s dedication to an interdisciplinary way of working, an approach that spans across, and often intersects with, numerous disciplines.
From Salon • Jul. 7, 2015
Cohesive gold will not be mastered by force; if compelled to yield by superior strength, it seeks a way to release itself; it is easily coaxed, but not easily driven.
From Tin Foil and Its Combinations for Filling Teeth by Ambler, Henry Lovejoy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
