WordGarden.iocogency
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈkoʊdʒənsi/
Meanings
Noun
the quality that makes an argument or explanation clear, logical, and convincing
Beyond the definition
If an argument has cogency, it means it's clear, forceful, and makes good sense. Think of a detective presenting evidence—if their case is cogent, the jury will be convinced! It's more than just being correct; it's about how convincingly you present your reasoning. A cogent explanation cuts through confusion and leaves no room for doubt. You might admire the cogency of a well-written legal brief or a compelling speech.
The word comes from the Latin cogere, meaning "to compel"—a cogent argument compels belief! It's often used in contexts where reasoning, arguments, or explanations are being evaluated. A politician lacking cogency will struggle to win over voters, while a scientist presenting cogent research is more likely to gain funding and acceptance.
Cogency refers to the quality of being clear, logical, and convincing. It's not simply about being right; it's about how effectively you present your reasoning so that others are compelled to agree with you. A cogent argument isn't just accurate—it's powerfully persuasive due to its clarity and soundness.
You might describe a lawyer's closing statement as having "remarkable cogency" if it skillfully summarized the evidence and left no doubt in the jurors' minds. Or, you could say that a philosopher's theory possesses "intellectual cogency," meaning it's internally consistent and logically sound.
The word often appears when discussing intellectual or argumentative matters—debates, essays, legal cases, and scientific theories. It implies a strength of reasoning that goes beyond mere correctness. A statement can be true but lack cogency if it's presented in a confusing or disorganized way.
Think of it like building with blocks: you can have all the right pieces (truth), but if they're stacked haphazardly, your structure will fall apart. Cogency is about carefully and skillfully assembling those pieces into something solid and convincing. A lack of cogency might be described as being rambling, incoherent, or unconvincing.
So, when you want to describe an argument that truly compels belief through its clarity and logic, reach for the word cogency.
Examples
- 1
Argument quality
The cogency of her argument impressed the panel.
- 2
Weak explanation
His explanation lacked cogency, so the board asked for more evidence.
- 3
Legal reasoning
The judge questioned the cogency of the defense's reasoning.
- 4
Supporting evidence
The new survey lends cogency to their claim that housing costs are still rising.
- Patternlend cogency to + claim/argument
make it seem more convincing
See also
Similar
- persuasiveness
- convincing force
- compellingness
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- cogency of an argument
- logical cogency
- lack cogency
Word family
- cogent
- cogently
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- cogencynoun