cogent

[koh-juh nt]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR cogent ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

to the point; relevant; pertinent.

Origin of cogent

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

Related formsco·gent·ly, adverbnon·co·gent, adjectivenon·co·gent·ly, adverbun·co·gent, adjectiveun·co·gent·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for cogently

finally, forcefully, completely, definitely, energetically, adequately, dramatically, productively, efficaciously, excellently, conclusively, capably, effectually, expertly, persuasively, tellingly

Examples from the Web for cogently

Contemporary Examples of cogently

Reihan Salam cogently argues federalism is on the wrong path due to powerful incentives tied to federal funding.
Federalism? Nah, Let DC Pay for It
Justin Green
February 7, 2013
The thumbs-up, thumbs-down nature of politics and media impedes our collective ability to cogently address what is going on.
Jobs Report Shows Unemployment Steady, but There’s Underlying Trouble
Zachary Karabell
March 9, 2012

Historical Examples of cogently

It is somewhere, he cogently reflected and, taking a pencil, set to work.
The Paliser case
Edgar Saltus
He reasons, too, clearly and cogently; and writes in a limpid and flowing style.
Insula Sanctorum et Doctorum
John Healy
Now he could show her how cogently and comprehensively he could answer a logical question.
The Venus Trap
Evelyn E. Smith
The reasons that prevailed against attempting Mitchel's rescue, Doheny cogently states.
The Felon's Track
Michael Doheny
This theory is most cogently presented by Mr. Tylor, and is confirmed by examples chosen from his wide range of reading.
Cock Lane and Common-Sense
Andrew Lang

British Dictionary definitions for cogently

cogent

adjective

compelling belief or assent; forcefully convincing

Derived Formscogency, nouncogently, adverb

Word Origin for cogent

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cogently

cogent

adj.

1650s, from French cogent "necessary, urgent" (14c.), from Latin cogentem (nominative cogens), present participle of cogere "to curdle; to compel; to collect," literally "to drive together," from com- "together" (see co-) + agere "to drive" (see act (n.)).