coherently
Americanadverb
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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.
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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.
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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
Etymology
Origin of coherently
First recorded in 1615–25; coherent ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
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.
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
Mr. Vance and his disciples have explained their strategy clearly—if not always coherently.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025
I asked, keeping my eyes closed; it was easier to talk to him coherently that way.
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
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.
