coherently

[koh-heer-uhnt-lee, -her-]

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of coherently¹

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

Example Sentences

The decision by the Supreme Court found the biological interpretation of sex was required for single-sex spaces - which can include changing rooms, hostels and medical services - to "function coherently".

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Aaron Klein, a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, said it would be a challenge for technology firms — or any business — to respond coherently to a policy that he called “nonsensical.”

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“If programs are dispersed, they’re going to be administered less coherently, and the effect on districts and states will be that they have to report to multiple departments for multiple different programs,” she added.

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After a second round of cortisone therapy, he regained the ability to concentrate and express himself coherently, he says.

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In doing so, he questioned the capacity of elderly residents to coherently cast their ballot.

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