Memory connection
Picture “cogs, gent”
A speaker arranges his points like interlocking cogs. Each one moves the next, and the audience can follow the complete mechanism.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
Use it accurately
Meaning in context
She offered a cogent explanation for changing the project’s scope.
The report makes a cogent case for restoring the wetlands.
Cogent describes reasoning, explanations, cases, and arguments—not simply a confident speaker. It combines clarity with persuasive logical force.
Common patterns
- a cogent argument
- cogent reasons
- clear and cogent
Quick check
Can you retrieve the meaning?
What makes an explanation cogent?
Choose an answer, then explain it in your own words.