coherence
logical consistency
In more detail
1. (noun) the quality of being logical and consistent, so that different parts fit together well
2. (noun) the state of being clearly connected and easy to understand
Examples
- 1. The essay lacked coherence because the ideas jumped around without clear connections.
- 2. Her speech had good coherence, with each point following logically from the previous one.
How to use coherence
Coherence refers to the logical consistency and connectedness within a text, argument, or system that allows readers or listeners to follow the meaning easily. It emphasizes how well different parts fit together and support each other. Use it in academic, professional, or analytical contexts to discuss writing quality, reasoning, or organizational clarity.
Common phrases
- lack of coherence
- maintain coherence
- narrative coherence
- semantic coherence
- achieve coherence
- coherence of a text
Synonyms
consistency · unity · cohesion · logical connection · intelligibility
Opposites
incoherence · fragmentation · confusion
Word family
coherent (adjective) · coherently (adverb) · incoherent (adjective) · coherence (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse coherence with cohesion; coherence is about logical consistency and meaning, while cohesion is about the grammatical and lexical devices that link sentences together.
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