Words / C2

KOHJ-uh-nt/ˈkəʊdʒənt/

Cogent means an argument is clear, tightly reasoned, and actually persuasive — not merely fluent. Convincing is the everyday cousin; coherent means it hangs together, which is necessary but not sufficient. Writers praise a cogent case, cogent criticism. In speech it is rather donnish; say well argued or that actually persuades. Do not call a loud opinion cogent.

Meaning

Clear, logical, and convincing, especially of an argument (formal).

Examples

• “She made a cogent case for extra reading time.”
• “She made a cogent case for fewer, better assessments.”
• “The reply was polite but not cogent: it ignored the dates.”

Good to know

cogent argument/case. Formal. Everyday: well argued / convincing. Stronger than merely coherent.

Near in meaning

convincing

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