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.

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Other Word Forms

• noncoherently
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of coherently

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coherently

It was able to crack the unit-distance problem not just because it might be smarter than humans, but also because it can think coherently for much longer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 1, 2026

This is, to put it gently, some distance from a group of government minsters acting collectively and coherently.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

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

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

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 31, 2026

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

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

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