cogent

[koh-juhnt]

adjective

1. convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling.

2. to the point; relevant; pertinent.

cogent

/ ˈkəʊdʒənt /

adjective

1. compelling belief or assent; forcefully convincing

Other Word Forms

• cogently adverb
• noncogent adjective
• noncogently adverb
• uncogent adjective
• uncogently adverb
• cogency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cogent¹

1650–60; < Latin cōgent- (stem of cōgēns, present participle of cōgere to drive together, collect, compel), equivalent to cōg- ( co- co- + ag-, stem of agere to drive) + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of cogent¹

C17: from Latin cōgent-, cōgēns, driving together, from cōgere, from co- together + agere to drive

Example Sentences

But if that were the case, a cogent narrative could make that point just as well as the facts about Kerr that appear on screen at the end of the film.

From Salon

The kids in these videos are often cogent and persuasive, but their words don’t matter to the viewers.

From Salon

Career-related skills that all students need include “thinking critically, or being able to speak professionally or give a presentation, or being able to put together a cogent resume, or having basic technology skills,” Dabagyan said.

From Los Angeles Times

The point is not to win a debate by making a cogent case, but to overwhelm opponents and tire them out.

From Salon

But the footage also revealed that Harris’ jumbled answer was clipped to its most cogent sentence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compelling 
• convincing 
• forceful 
• persuasive 
• telling 
• weighty