coherently

American  

[koh-heer-uhnt-lee, -her-] / koʊˈhɪər ənt li, -ˈhɛr- /

adverb

1. in a clear and logically connected, consistent, intelligible way; in a way that makes sense.

   None of the parties present was able to explain coherently what had happened.

   Your paper must have a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.

2. with a natural, harmonious, well-balanced agreement of parts.

   We’ve turned these goals into concrete initiatives that work coherently across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts.

3. Physics, Optics. with electromagnetic waves in a fixed phase relationship maintained over time.

   A coherently illuminated system is especially useful for performing spectral analysis.

---

Other Word Forms

• noncoherently adverb

Etymology

Origin of coherently

First recorded in 1615–25; coherent ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

The scenario mostly serves as a reminder that despite the nonsensical choices leaders may be making, markets will find a way to adjust coherently with higher prices.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Taken together, these dynamics point to a system that is functioning, but not coherently directed.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

OpenAI added that a single product surface would allow it to move more quickly and coherently.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

“The ideas and insights he outlined still dominate the field,” observes Mr. Cobb, “even though most neuroscientists have no idea that Crick was the first to coherently articulate them.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

I asked, keeping my eyes closed; it was easier to talk to him coherently that way.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer