adjective

coherent

koh-HEER-uhnt/kəʊˈhɪrənt/

Maintaining a consistent relationship among its parts.

The speaker gives a coherent explanation, showing how the three gears work together.

An adult clearly explains one simple mechanism using an orderly step-by-step sequence of three linked gears on a board, listener follows with comprehension.

Etymology

coLatintogether

+herLatinto stick, adhere

+entLatinpresent-participle ending

Literally, the pieces describe something sticking together. Coherent speech or thought holds together in this figurative sense: its ideas are connected and consistent, making the whole understandable.

In context

Craft and Decor 8:39

using rules like repeated angles or consistent strip widths to keep the pattern coherent.

Modern Geometric Cedar Lath Wall Art

More examples

These scattered notes do not yet form a coherent argument.
The new ending makes the story more coherent.
Coherent light waves maintain a fixed phase relationship.

Forms

coherent · more coherent · most coherent

coherence noun — A clear, consistent connection among parts.

coherently adverb — In a clear and logically connected way.

Similar words

logical: Emphasizes sound reasoning rather than connections among all parts.
consistent: Emphasizes freedom from contradictions rather than clarity or connectedness.
cohesive: Emphasizes parts forming a unified whole rather than understandable reasoning.