cogent
UK: ˈkəʊdʒənt | US: ˈkoʊdʒənt
adj. (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing
cogent = cog<drive, compel> + ent<adjective suffix>
- cog<drive, compel>: From Latin cogere ("to drive together, compel"), combining co- (together) + agere (to drive, act).
- ent<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating "having the quality of."
Etymology Origin:
The word cogent traces back to Latin cogent- (stem of cogens), the present participle of cogere, meaning "to compel or force." The root agere (to drive) is foundational, appearing in words like agent and action. Over time, cogent evolved to describe arguments that "compel" belief through logical force, emphasizing clarity and persuasiveness.
The lawyer presented a cogent argument that convinced the jury.
Her essay was praised for its cogent analysis of the issue.
A cogent explanation simplifies complex ideas.
Without cogent evidence, the theory remains speculative.
His speech was brief but remarkably cogent.