adjective

cogent

KOH-junt/ˈkəʊdʒənt/

Convincing through clear, logical reasoning.

Her one-to-one tile comparison gives a cogent demonstration of equality.

A cogent explanation made visible through a simple physical proof: a woman resolves another woman's doubt about two differently arranged groups of tiles by pairing every tile one-to-one, making their equality immediately clear and convincing.

Etymology

“Driving together” developed into compelling or forcing something. Applied to reasoning, that force becomes intellectual: a cogent argument compels assent or conviction.

In context

HUB Scuola1:06

the winning team is the team that delivers the most cogent convincing argument whether the judge personally agrees with the motion is not relevant to determining the winner

Debating skills - Introduction

More examples

The report offered a cogent explanation of the failure.
His answer was clear and cogent.
A cogent analysis connected the evidence to the conclusion.

Forms

cogent · more cogent · most cogent

cogency noun — the force of a clear convincing argument

Similar words

persuasive: Persuasive convinces by various means; cogent particularly stresses sound reasoning.
coherent: Coherent fits together clearly; cogent additionally has convincing force.