WordValecohesive
forming a unified whole
In more detail
1. (adjective) forming a united whole; sticking together well
2. (adjective) (of writing or speech) clearly organized and easy to follow because the ideas are connected logically
Examples
- 1. The team's cohesive approach made them strong competitors.
- 2. The essay was cohesive because each paragraph connected to the main argument.
How to use cohesive
Cohesive describes something that holds together well, either physically or abstractly. In academic and professional writing contexts, it often refers to text where ideas flow logically and connect clearly. It emphasizes internal unity and the strength of bonds between parts, distinguishing it from merely 'organized' or 'clear,' which may not imply the same sense of integral wholeness.
Common phrases
- cohesive group
- cohesive narrative
- cohesive team
- cohesive whole
- cohesive writing
- remain cohesive
Synonyms
unified · integrated · well-knit · connected · tightly-bonded
Opposites
fragmented · disjointed · scattered
Word family
cohesion (noun) · cohesively (adverb) · cohesiveness (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse cohesive with coherent; cohesive emphasizes the binding together of parts, while coherent emphasizes clarity and logical sense.
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