coherent

[koh-heer-uhnt, -her-]

adjective

1. logically connected; consistent.

   a coherent argument.

2. having a natural or due agreement of parts; harmonious.

   a coherent design.

3. cohering; sticking together.

   a coherent mass of sticky candies.

4. Physics, Optics.,  of or relating to waves that maintain a fixed phase relationship, as in coherent light, or light in which the electromagnetic waves maintain a fixed and predictable phase relationship with each other over a period of time.

coherent

/ kəʊˈhɪərənt /

adjective

1. capable of logical and consistent speech, thought, etc

2. logical; consistent and orderly

3. cohering or sticking together

4. physics (of two or more waves) having the same phase or a fixed phase difference

   coherent light

5. (of a system of units) consisting only of units the quotient or product of any two of which yield the unit of the resultant quantity

Other Word Forms

• coherently adverb
• noncoherent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coherent¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin cohērent-, variant of Latin cohaerent- (stem of cohaerēns ), present participle of cohaerēre; cohere, -ent

Example Sentences

Montgomery wasn’t “fully coherent,” Hey said, was miles from where he thought he was and appeared unsteady on his feet.

From Los Angeles Times

"SNP ministers have repeatedly taken their eye off the ball, and still have no coherent and credible strategy for tackling this national crisis," said Annie Wells, the party's drugs spokeswoman at Holyrood.

From BBC

Others may see a more coherent operation between the two Lords of the Treasury.

From BBC

Officials said the it was difficult to figure out a coherent ideology or a specific motive for the shooting, but rather a larger fixation with mass violence.

From Salon

Yet United's attack feels, at present, like a group of talented players trying to get used to each other rather than a coherent unit.

From BBC

Related Words

• comprehensible 
• consistent 
• intelligible 
• logical 
• lucid 
• meaningful 
• orderly 
• rational 
• reasoned 
• systematic